Victoria Budiono of Star Advertiser writes that "advocates are intensifying their efforts to push for improved family benefits for Hawaii’s children as key bills addressing these issues remain stalled in the Legislature"

Advocates, including the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, are calling on the state to join them. HCAN is also advocating for an increase in the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit — HB 753. The cost of preschool in Hawaii averages over $13,000 per year, and working families are in dire need of help with child care expenses, the organization said. The bill proposes increasing the CDCTC percentage cap, allowing working families to receive more assistance for child care costs.

State Rep. Jeanne Kapela (D, Volcano-Hawaiian Ocean View) told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the ongoing federal instability has had a trickle-down effect on state legislation. She explained that the uncertainty in federal funding has made it difficult for the state to plan and allocate resources for essential programs.

Read the full article here.