Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR141

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
3/28/23  

Caption

Urging Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Introduce And Support Legislation To Amend Title Iv-a Of The Social Security Act To Allow Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Funds To Be Used By States To Build Transitional Supportive Housing And Affordable Rental Housing.

Impact

If passed, HR141 would influence existing federal funding usage and how state and local housing initiatives can alleviate the housing crisis in Hawaii. By enabling TANF funds to be utilized for constructing new housing projects, the bill intends to reduce the burden on low-income families facing exorbitant rents. Insights from housing experts noted that the high cost of living in Hawaii necessitates such adaptations, as current TANF subsidies only provide short-term relief for families in need. Furthermore, the legislature acknowledges that investments in housing infrastructure might yield long-term savings and stability for vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Resolution 141 (HR141) is a measure introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives urging the state's congressional delegation to support an amendment to Title IV-A of the Social Security Act. This amendment seeks to allow the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds by states for the development of transitional supportive housing and affordable rental housing. The resolution highlights Hawaii's significant unspent TANF funds, which amount to over $380 million, a proportion that is among the highest in the nation. The bill aims to address Hawaii's rampant homelessness crisis and lack of affordable rental options, proposing a reallocation of these funds to enhance housing resources across the state.

Sentiment

There appears to be a positive sentiment surrounding HR141 among supporters, including various community organizations and advocacy groups that recognize the severe housing shortages in Hawaii. They view the reallocation of TANF funds as a potential solution to facilitate the development of much-needed affordable housing, fostering optimism about its passage. However, concerns may arise regarding the actual implementation of the bill and potential bureaucratic hurdles in redirecting these funds for housing needs, as historical precedents point to inefficiencies in fund allocation for such projects.

Contention

Opposition to HR141 may stem from traditionalists who emphasize that TANF funds should strictly be allocated for their intended purpose, primarily aimed at short-term assistance for needy families. Some critics could argue that broadening the scope of these funds might dilute their effectiveness or lead to mismanagement. The debate encompasses a critical examination of whether temporary assistance programs should adapt to current socioeconomic challenges or remain rigidly defined, pointing to differing philosophies on social welfare reform and local governance.

Companion Bills

HI HCR139

Same As Urging Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Introduce And Support Legislation To Amend Title Iv-a Of The Social Security Act To Allow Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Funds To Be Used By States To Build Transitional Supportive Housing And Affordable Rental Housing.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR73

Urging The Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Introduce Legislation To Expand The National Flood Insurance Program To Include Lava Insurance.

HI HR58

Urging The Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Introduce Legislation To Expand The National Flood Insurance Program To Include Lava Insurance.

HI SCR80

Urging The Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Introduce Legislation To Expand The National Flood Insurance Program To Include Lava And Earthquake Insurance.

HI HCR202

Urging The United States Congress To Support The Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act.

HI SR27

Urging The Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Introduce Legislation To Expand The National Flood Insurance Program To Include Lava And Earthquake Insurance.

HI SB1551

Relating To Supportive Housing.

HI SR31

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Moneys In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And To Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.

HI SCR43

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Amend The Priority For Which Low-income Housing Tax Credits Are Allocated And Monies In The Rental Housing Revolving Fund Are Used And Adopt Certain Administrative Rules That Incentivize The Development Of Affordable Housing In The State.

HI SR6

Urging The President Of The United States And Members Of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Support An Immediate And Permanent Ceasefire In Gaza.

HI SCR217

Urging The Federal Emergency Management Agency To Utilize Funds For Non-congregate Housing For Infrastructure And Development Needs For Affordable Rental Housing.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.