CARES Act funds in the pipeline
Posted on Jul 29, 2020 in Capitol Connection, Featured
The federal CARES Act funding is available for a broad range of needs.
The governor’s signing of Senate Bill 126 on July 31 means that $636 million in federal CARES Act funding could be available to help Hawai‘i families and other community areas that need it most — from rental aid, food subsidies and other basic needs to unemployment benefits, PPE supplies, job training and small business innovation. The Legislature appropriated the funds to be deployed by multiple state agencies to address pressing community issues created by COVID-19.
“The Legislature and I clearly recognize the need,” said Governor Ige. “The bill addresses both short-term and long-term challenges.” Part of the Ige administration’s responsibility is to review legislation for any legal or other issues. The governor said allocations will also depend on whether Congress provides more aid. “We know the urgency for this funding, so we just have to find the best uses possible,” the governor said. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.