Relating To Funding Adjustments For State Programs.
Impact
The proposed emergency appropriations are designed to be budget neutral, meaning that while new funds will be allocated, they will not impact the overall state budget negatively. This is significant for ensuring that essential services and programs continue to operate without interruption. The bill also adjusts funding for various programs to align with their anticipated levels of activity, thereby seeking to create a more responsive fiscal environment that can adapt to changing conditions within the state's operational needs.
Summary
House Bill 1023 addresses funding adjustments for state programs in Hawaii. The bill seeks to correct the issue arising from the repeal of an earlier budget proviso that allowed state departments to transfer funds between their programs. Since this provision was repealed, many departments face significant funding emergencies, particularly regarding the fourth quarter of the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The bill aims to appropriate additional general funds as emergency appropriations to ensure that existing programs can continue to function effectively despite these financial constraints.
Contention
While the bill appears to be a necessary measure for handling unforeseen budgetary issues, there may be potential points of contention related to how these funds are appropriated and the criteria for adjusting funding levels. Concerns may arise regarding transparency in the allocation of these emergency funds and whether certain programs might be favored over others due to political considerations. The balance of ensuring adequate funding while addressing governmental operational flexibility will likely be a topic of discussion among legislators.
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.