Gov. Abercrombie releases funds for community programs
In his first executive action, Governor Neil Abercrombie released $23.7 million from the Rainy Day Fund for community programs as appropriated by the state Legislature under Act 191 and $67 million from the Hurricane Relief Fund to restore 17 instructional days for the 2010-2011 school year. The funds will help maintain jobs and services provided by community programs and end furlough Fridays in the schools.
The State Office of Community Services is eligible to receive up to $475,000 in relief funds to assist Employment Core Services, including Job Placement and Creation and the Weed and Seed Strategy program, a longtime community initiative and one-time OCS grantee.
Meeting at the State Capitol on Dec. 8, lawmakers, government officials and recipients discussed strategies to release the funds into the community as quickly as possible. Abercrombie has designated staff at both governmental and non-governmental agencies to identify barriers and solutions to spending. The nonprofit advocacy group, PHOCUSED, also volunteered to coordinate nonprofit recipients’ efforts.
“This Administration is getting to work right away, taking actions that reflect our values and priorities,” Abercrombie said. “We want to keep people working, help the most needy in our community and invest in our children’s education.”
He added, “Private nonprofit organizations are employers. Like all businesses, they are relying on government to follow through on its commitments. We need to get our economy moving and this is a first step.”
Abercrombie has outlined four priorities of his administration:
- Fix what he called “fractured governmental services” to better serve the residents and the private sector.
- Create jobs through a significant capital improvement program.
- Pursue “every available” federal funding and private partnership opportunity.
- Invest in clean energy, food security, technology, education and health.
Of immediate concern, the governor said on Dec. 20, he will request emergency appropriations in January to address the increased costs of an expanded Medicaid program, as well as for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Abercrombie said he also will seek funds for his office and the lieutenant governor’s office, which he said have no funds to operate. Abercrombie said he has yet to determine how much in emergency funds will be needed or where the money would come from.
