Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Department Of Budget And Finance.
Impact
One of the key aspects of SB3069 is its response to the budgetary challenges faced by the mass transit system in Hawaii. With revenues exceeding expectations in the previous fiscal year, the Department of Budget and Finance noted a need for more funds due to a projected shortfall owing to the ceiling placed on special funds. This act facilitates the necessary financial support to maintain adequate transit services, which are vital for the state's mobility and economic activity.
Summary
SB3069, titled 'Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Department Of Budget And Finance,' is a legislative measure introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii aimed at addressing a financial shortfall in the mass transit special fund. The bill seeks to make a significant emergency appropriation of $156 million for the fiscal year 2023-2024. This funding is necessary to allow the Department of Budget and Finance to effectively disburse available moneys from the mass transit special fund, ensuring that transit operations continue without disruption.
Contention
While the bill aims to resolve immediate funding issues, it may also raise discussions regarding the management and distribution of transit funds in the future. Critics could argue that relying on emergency appropriations signals deeper issues within the budgeting process for mass transit funding. Discussions may center around whether such a bill adequately addresses systemic financial planning or if it simply acts as a temporary fix without long-term solutions.
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SB3069 has already been passed by the Senate Transportation and Culture and the Arts Committee without amendments, reflecting a degree of political consensus around the necessity of the funding. It is recommended for immediate passage, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the transit funding situation in Hawaii.
To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.