Following a delay, Gov. Josh Green has released $50 million in grants-in-aid for nonprofits while also submitting the executive budget for the fiscal biennium 2023-25.
According to a Dec. 19 news release by the governor’s office, Green worked with the Department of Budget and Finance and the state attorney general to release the funds.
“We know that these nonprofits are relying on these funds to serve our most vulnerable in the community,” Green said. “What better time than the holiday season to give relief and much-needed support to these community partners.”
The proposed budget includes several high-priority requests regarding health care, homelessness and education, as well as other housekeeping items. Green, who was elected in November, and was the state’s lieutenant governor before the vote, worked with the previous administration of Gov. David Ige on this budget.
The budget sets aside $15 million in each fiscal year for the Ohana Zones Pilot Program, which serves 5,510 previously homeless people and has helped place 1,368 people into permanent housing. Another $10.8 million is for homeless services and outreach programs each fiscal year.
In fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025, $10 million and $20 million is included for the Hawaii State Loan Repayment Program, which pays off educational loans for primary care and behavioral health providers working in designated health progressional areas.
Also included in the budget are 60 positions and $4.4 million for nursing and medical-related programs at the University of Hawaii campuses and other community colleges.
Green, a doctor himself, also included $50 million to expand the intensive care unit and medical surgical unit at Hilo Medical Center.
“As a physician I see the dire need for health care, and to address this we need to take a multi-pronged and holistic approach to address our healthcare worker shortage and access to high-quality care,” Green said.
“Therefore, in this budget, I included expanding Hilo Medical Center, improving healthcare access to low-income families by increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rate, and providing educational programs to expand our ability to train and retain high-quality medical professionals in our state,” he added.
The proposed budget also includes $600 million for the rainy day fund.
“The state is in a strong financial position and that means that while we need to fund critical items that meet the needs of our community, we also need to be fiscally responsible and make sure we are putting money aside so that we don’t have to cut critical services when times get tough,” Green said.