| 47 | | - | SECTION 1. The legislature finds that because of Hawaii's high cost of living and food prices, many low-income individuals and families struggle to purchase food. The supplemental nutrition assistance program, formerly known as the food stamp program, is a crucial means of providing necessary assistance in the purchasing of food for some of Hawaii's most disadvantaged citizens. In fiscal year 2019, 157,000 Hawaii residents participated in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, roughly one in nine of the State's population. While Hawaii secures over $448,000,000 annually in supplemental nutrition assistance program moneys, a 2017 report by the United States Department of Agriculture ranked Hawaii twenty-seventh among states in the percentage of eligible individuals who participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. The legislature further finds that if additional eligible individuals participated in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, the State could receive increased federal funding. Additionally, Moody's Analytics estimates that every $1 given in supplemental nutrition assistance program funds can generate $1.70 in the local economy. The legislature also finds that many individuals who are eligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program do not participate because they are unaware of the supplemental nutrition assistance program's existence or of their eligibility. Authorizing health care providers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith-based organizations to distribute supplemental nutrition assistance program applications to those in need may increase participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Furthermore, authorizing health care providers to report to the department of human services an aggregate collection of data about state supplemental nutrition assistance program participation would allow the department of human services to aid policy makers in establishing plans to maximize federal funding and increase access to nutritious foods. Each of these outcomes would result in the State having more supplemental nutrition assistance program participants, which in turn would result in heightened food security for low-income individuals and families, and more money flowing into the State's economy. The purpose of this Act is to authorize health care providers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith-based organizations to distribute supplemental nutrition assistance program applications. SECTION 2. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "§346- Supplemental nutrition assistance program participation. Health care providers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith-based organizations may distribute supplemental nutrition assistance program applications to anyone interested in applying for program benefits." SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored. SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000. |
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| 47 | + | SECTION 1. The legislature finds that because of Hawaii's high cost of living and food prices, many low-income individuals and families struggle to purchase food. The supplemental nutrition assistance program, formerly known as the food stamp program, is a crucial means of providing necessary assistance in the purchasing of food for some of Hawaii's most disadvantaged citizens. In fiscal year 2019, 157,000 Hawaii residents participated in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, roughly one in nine of the State's population. While Hawaii secures over $448,000,000 annually in supplemental nutrition assistance program moneys, a 2017 report by the United States Department of Agriculture ranked Hawaii twenty-seventh among states in the percentage of eligible individuals who participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. The legislature further finds that if additional eligible individuals participated in the supplemental nutrition assistance program, the State could receive increased federal funding. Additionally, Moody's Analytics estimates that every $1 given in supplemental nutrition assistance program funds can generate $1.70 in the local economy. The legislature also finds that many individuals who are eligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program do not participate because they are unaware of the supplemental nutrition assistance program's existence or of their eligibility. Authorizing health care providers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith-based organizations to distribute supplemental nutrition assistance program applications to those in need may increase participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Furthermore, authorizing health care providers to report to the department of human services an aggregate collection of data about state supplemental nutrition assistance program participation would allow the department of human services to aid policy makers in establishing plans to maximize federal funding and increase access to nutritious foods. Each of these outcomes would result in the State having more supplemental nutrition assistance program participants, which in turn would result in heightened food security for low-income individuals and families, and more money flowing into the State's economy. The purpose of this Act is to authorize health care providers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith-based organizations to distribute supplemental nutrition assistance program applications. SECTION 2. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "§346- Supplemental nutrition assistance program participation. Health care providers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith-based organizations may distribute supplemental nutrition assistance program applications to prospective applicants." SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored. SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. INTRODUCED BY: _____________________________ |
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