STAND. COM. REP. 317

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: H.B. No. 294

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor and Public Employment, to which was referred H.B. No. 294 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TEMPORARY HEALTH INSURANCE FOR UNEMPLOYED PERSONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to assist unemployed persons to maintain health care coverage through a temporary health insurance program.

The ILWU Local 142 testified in support of this bill. The Department of Human Services supported the intent of this bill.

Your Committee recognizes that during the 2002 special legislative session, legislation was passed to establish a "Skinny Quest" program to address the health insurance needs of families impacted by the economic slow-down after September 11th. If the United States goes to war with Iraq, a similar situation may face Hawaii's families if there is a slow-down in travel to Hawaii. This measure will provide a safety net for those who may lose their health insurance coverage.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor and Public Employment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 294 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor and Public Employment,

 

____________________________

MARCUS R. OSHIRO, Chair