HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1699
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to after-school programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that after-school programming provides important learning and enrichment opportunities for Hawaii's youth while allowing parents to maintain employment. After-school programs keep students safe, offer additional learning support, and provide parents peace of mind that their children are constructively engaged.

The legislature further finds that after-school programs are particularly needed for middle and intermediate school students. The intermediate years are important for reversing high school drop-out rates and ensuring students remain engaged in their education and community. The R.E.A.C.H. initiative, which stands for "resources for enrichment, athletics, culture, and health" was established in 2013 to meet the need for dedicated after-school programs for public middle and intermediate school students and uses a community-based approach. The R.E.A.C.H. initiative utilizes state funds and partners with schools, parents, and other community-based organizations.

The legislature additionally finds that in the face of the ongoing pandemic, parents and the businesses and education communities continue to see after-school programs as a resource to promote youth and children's growth and development, while also helping parents maintain or find employment. Expanding funding for after-school programs represents an upfront investment in Hawaii's youth. With federal dollars already being invested in after-school programs, now is the time to commit to expanding access to quality after-school programs for public middle and intermediate students.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the resources for enrichment, athletics, culture, and health program of the department of education to match the federal dollars that the State receives for the 21st Century Community Learning Center.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $6,123,398 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the department of education's resources for enrichment, athletics, culture, and health program to match federal dollars that the State receives for the 21st Century Community Learning Center.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Education; R.E.A.C.H. Program; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for the department of education's resources for enrichment, athletics, culture, and health program to match federal dollars that the State receives for the 21st Century Community Learning Center.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.