Lt. Governor Hosts Congressional Delegation
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Lt. Governor Aiona brought together Administration officials, state legislators and a congressional delegation last week at the State Capitol to encourage further collaboration on providing public services to migrants under a compact established by the U.S. Congress.
The Lt. Governor hosts a congressional delegation at the State Capitol.
The delegation included Congresswoman Donna Christensen of the U.S.
Virgin Islands and Congressman Eni Faleomavaega of America Samoa.
The Compact of Free Association (COFA), established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 between the United States, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, allowed for unrestricted migration to the United States. In 1994, unrestricted migration from Palau was added.
“It’s our duty and privilege to serve all Hawai‘i’s residents,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “COFA migrants have no doubt added to the fabric of our community, but our state also faces several unique challenges in providing public services that must be addressed.”
During the meeting, the Lt. Governor outlined emerging challenges stemming from the Compact of Free Association.
Chief among the concerns was that the state spent $91 million in 2007 to provide public services to COFA migrants. Of that money, the state receives $10.6 million from the federal government, which leaves the state with a shortfall of $80.4 million.
Additonally, the number of COFA migrants in Hawai‘i is expected to jump from 14,500 today to 20,000 by 2015.
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress for COFA migrants to seek eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
“Helping our nation assist COFA migrants is important to the State of Hawai‘i, and we’re acutely aware of the challenges we’re facing,” Lt. Governor Aiona said during the meeting. “Your presence here today is a sign of a willingness to work together to address these issues. And it’s my sincere hope we can make progress in the road ahead.”
The Compact of Free Association (COFA), established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 between the United States, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, allowed for unrestricted migration to the United States. In 1994, unrestricted migration from Palau was added.
“It’s our duty and privilege to serve all Hawai‘i’s residents,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “COFA migrants have no doubt added to the fabric of our community, but our state also faces several unique challenges in providing public services that must be addressed.”
During the meeting, the Lt. Governor outlined emerging challenges stemming from the Compact of Free Association.
Chief among the concerns was that the state spent $91 million in 2007 to provide public services to COFA migrants. Of that money, the state receives $10.6 million from the federal government, which leaves the state with a shortfall of $80.4 million.
Additonally, the number of COFA migrants in Hawai‘i is expected to jump from 14,500 today to 20,000 by 2015.
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress for COFA migrants to seek eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
“Helping our nation assist COFA migrants is important to the State of Hawai‘i, and we’re acutely aware of the challenges we’re facing,” Lt. Governor Aiona said during the meeting. “Your presence here today is a sign of a willingness to work together to address these issues. And it’s my sincere hope we can make progress in the road ahead.”
