Speak Up About Budget Impacts

Aloha Representative, Mahalo for your work during this session and for your ongoing service to our district. I know you receive many messages, but I wanted to share a brief update from [LOCATION_LINE] about how recent budget decisions are affecting my household and community. Since the budget was passed, we have seen both positive changes and ongoing challenges. In particular, issues related to housing stability, childcare, and basic-needs support (such as food and utilities) continue to impact families in our area. When budgets do not fully match the cost of living, families are forced to make difficult choices between rent, transportation, and education. [Optional: In 3–5 sentences, describe any changes you have seen in your own situation or in your community since the budget passed. If relevant, mention programs, services, or agencies that have been especially helpful or especially difficult to access.] As you prepare for future sessions, I hope you will continue to prioritize: – Keeping local families housed and preventing homelessness – Supporting childcare and after-school programs that allow parents to work and study – Investing in education and workforce pathways that let residents remain in Hawaiʻi If you host any upcoming community meetings, listening sessions, or office hours, I would appreciate the opportunity to attend and learn more about your priorities for the next session. Please also continue to share updates with constituents about how budget decisions will be implemented on the ground. Mahalo again for your time, your work at the Legislature, and your commitment to our district. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] Constituent, [LOCATION_LINE]

Aloha Representative, I am a constituent in [LOCATION_LINE], and I am writing to ask for your continued support for Hawaiʻi's community colleges and workforce training programs. Community colleges play a critical role in our state. They provide affordable, accessible pathways for recent high school graduates, working adults, and student parents to gain skills for local jobs. For many of us, they are the only realistic option to pursue higher education while balancing work, caregiving, and other responsibilities. Student success depends on more than tuition alone. Advising, tutoring, financial aid counseling, childcare, transportation, and basic-needs support all make the difference between a student dropping out and a student graduating. When these supports are underfunded or unstable, students are forced to choose between paying rent, buying food, or staying enrolled. [Optional: In 2–4 sentences, share how community college or workforce training has impacted you, your family, or someone you know. If you are a student parent or caregiver, briefly describe that experience.] I respectfully ask you to: – Prioritize stable funding for UH community colleges and student success programs – Support investments that connect education to high-demand local careers – Protect resources that help student parents and low-income students stay enrolled and complete their programs These investments strengthen Hawaiʻi's workforce and allow more residents to remain in the islands with family-sustaining jobs. Mahalo for considering my input and for your leadership on education and workforce issues. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] Constituent, [LOCATION_LINE]

Aloha Representative, I am a constituent in [LOCATION_LINE], and I am writing to share how Hawaiʻi's current housing crisis is affecting my household and neighbors. Across our district, families are doing everything they can to stay housed while keeping up with work, school, and caregiving. However, high rents, long waitlists, and gaps between state programs leave many of us living in constant crisis mode. When there are delays, sudden changes, or unclear decisions, it becomes almost impossible to plan for basics like rent, utilities, and childcare. I am especially concerned about how program rules and timelines are communicated. When families receive short notice of a change or do not understand how to appeal a decision, they are at risk of falling behind or losing housing even when they are following the rules. Clear, written communication and consistent adherence to HRS requirements around notice, timelines, and due process can prevent avoidable evictions and homelessness. [Optional: In 2–4 sentences, briefly describe your own situation or a specific example from your community that shows the impact of delays, miscommunication, or gaps in assistance.] Please support strong oversight of state-funded housing and rental assistance programs, including: – Transparent, user-friendly information about eligibility, timelines, and appeals – Better coordination between state agencies, counties, and community partners – Continued investment in deeply affordable housing and homelessness prevention When families can count on stable housing, we are able to work, attend school, and contribute to our communities. I respectfully ask that you prioritize policies and funding that keep local families housed and ensure state programs operate in a fair, timely, and transparent way. Mahalo for your time and service to our district. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] Constituent, [LOCATION_LINE]