The bill allows for the administration of the school facilities special fund to support various projects involving the development, planning, and construction of school facilities within its jurisdiction. It sets forth the eligible expenditures which include the construction of new facilities as well as the renovation and expansion of existing ones. Such provisions are aimed at addressing the need for increased capacity to serve pre-kindergarten children effectively, thereby promoting educational access at an early stage.
Summary
SB826 is a legislative bill aimed at enhancing access to pre-kindergarten education in the State of Hawaii by modifying the operations of the School Facilities Authority. The bill proposes an appropriation from the state’s general revenues to the school facilities special fund. This fund is particularly directed at expanding the capabilities of school facilities to accommodate more pre-kindergarten students, ensuring that facilities meet the growing demand for early childhood education programs.
Contention
While the primary intention of SB826 is to expand educational access, concerns could arise regarding the allocation of state funds and whether the proposed financial support adequately addresses the long-term needs of school facilities across Hawaii. Additionally, the bill’s stipulation that appropriated funds will not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium raises questions about fiscal responsibility and the management of public funds over extended periods. Critics may also debate the prioritization of funding for pre-kindergarten programs in the context of broader educational needs.
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.