LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Gas and food prices are rising while we navigate the new normal thrust upon us by the coronavirus pandemic. Among the many organizations dedicated to easing the suffering of people in need, the Catholic Church in Hawaii continues to fight for the basic needs of the marginalized among us.
We are reaching the point in the State Legislative session where bills that are still alive are either being sent to the governor for signing or are still in conference committees where members hash out discrepancies between the House and Senate versions. Rushed negotiating and behind-the-scenes lobbying are at a high point.
All about the budget
This legislative session has been all about the budget. As in a typical year, you will find Catholic Charities, the diocesan affiliate HOPE Services and St. Francis Healthcare Systems of Hawaii asking for funds. Hundreds of families in Hawaii have benefited from the hard work and commitment shown by the Catholic Church. These organizations have shared many stories of hope.
But these stories begin with funding — and that is the crux of the work we do at the Hawaii State Legislature.
Minimum wage
Catholic Charities Hawaii supports SD1 which raises the minimum wage incrementally to $18 an hour by Jan. 1, 2026. Our state’s high cost of living — and now the rising inflation — puts tremendous stress on families and individuals working for the minimum wage. Increases to the cost of living, together with stagnant wages, threaten to increase homelessness. People are suffering. Minimum wage earners should be able to survive without having to rely on public assistance.
Housing vouchers
Wages are not the only challenge facing our state. One of the most basic needs is housing. Hawaii’s homeless population is a challenge for the legislature. Rental assistance is a big priority. The solution to homelessness includes everything from building more affordable rental units, increasing funding to improve the safety of the units, helping elderly and families with rent, and easing the burden of rental application screening fees.
Another priority is ending discrimination against people holding government housing assistance vouchers (otherwise known as Section 8). Both landlords, and the renters who have been discriminated against, need a voice. That has been both a challenge and privilege to consider.
Earned income tax credit
Another area of focus is the Earned Income Tax Credit, which should be both refundable and permanent. Our high cost of living is particularly hard on low-income families. This small, but important, step would give a much-needed boost to Hawaii`s workers. Studies also have shown that workers put this tax credit refund back into the economy, so this would also have a great impact on local businesses.
Medicaid dental benefits
Much work has been done on bills to restore dental benefits to adults on Medicaid. Dental coverage and oral health care are crucial not only for people to work and enjoy life, but to reduce future health care costs. Many Medicaid beneficiaries have chronic conditions which could be impacted without adequate dental care. Without these benefits, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and neighbor island residents are at greater risk for poor oral health.
There is a lot more happening at the legislature. We will give you a final report after the session concludes. Although much of the work by Catholic Charities, HOPE Services and St. Francis Healthcare Systems of Hawaii require funding to thrive, it also requires commitment. Rest assured that our Catholic social service organizations are in it for the long haul and will remain vigilant.
Andrade is director of the Hawaii Catholic Conference.
