Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR50

Introduced
3/9/23  
Refer
3/10/23  
Refer
3/24/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  

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

Currently, Hawaii has accumulated over $380 million in unspent TANF funds, highlighting significant underutilization of federal assistance that could address the pressing housing crisis. This resolution also responds to alarming statistics regarding the affordability of housing in Hawaii, where many individuals must earn significantly above minimum wage to afford basic rentals, thereby underscoring the need for sustainable housing solutions. By allowing TANF funds to be diverted to a broader housing strategy, the resolution aims to create a more substantial inventory of affordable units, ultimately making housing more accessible for low-income families.

Summary

Senate Resolution 50 (SR50) encourages Hawaii's congressional delegation to introduce and support legislation aimed at amending Title IV-A of the Social Security Act. The primary goal of this resolution is to enable states to utilize Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for the construction of transitional supportive housing and affordable rental housing. The backdrop of this resolution involves persisting issues of high homelessness rates and a lack of affordable rental options across Hawaii, which exacerbates the challenges faced by low-income families in the state.

Contention

Notably, SR50 is set against a backdrop of deep concern regarding homelessness, with Hawaii ranking among the top states for homelessness rates. The resolution stresses the potential for TANF funds not only to support immediate rent subsidies but also to facilitate long-term housing solutions. However, there may be contention surrounding how TANF funds could be repurposed and whether such legislative support will garner bipartisan agreement in Congress given divergent views on social welfare policies and federal versus state budget management.

Companion Bills

HI SCR55

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

HI HR141

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 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 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 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 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 HCR202

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

HI SR193

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

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.