March 12, 2009 - Governor's Weekly Radio Address - Federal Stimulus in Hawai`i

Click here to listen to this address.

"Since the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, my Administration has been working to ensure Hawai`i takes maximum advantage of the federal stimulus funds.  

The funding is being provided to the states and administered by the governors, who will be held accountable for how the money is spent.  Working with my Cabinet, state employees and in coordination with the counties, we will determine how to best spend the formula funding – which is automatic to the states – as well as those that require competitive grants. 

We are already utilizing these dollars, including $320 million in Medicaid reimbursements to help close our revenue gap; additional benefits allocated for Hawai`i's unemployed; and, enhanced funds for residents who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. 

You will be hearing more about Hawai`i's use of federal stimulus funds in the coming days, especially in areas of transportation infrastructure, broadband communication and clean energy pursuits."