Hawaii participating in WE Connect campaign

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced Hawai‘i is joining a nationwide effort started by California First Lady Maria Shriver in 2005 to connect residents with money-saving resources and opportunities.

Participating in the WE Connect campaign is part of Governor Lingle’s push for statewide economic recovery.

“My Administration is proud to offer various state programs to residents through WE Connect,” said Governor Lingle. “Providing Hawai‘i’s working families with a springboard to greater opportunity and success during these difficult economic times is important for our state’s recovery and long-term success.”

The WE Connect campaign aims to bring various resources to the attention of those seeking opportunities, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working families and individuals. For example, the EITC allows qualifying families of four to earn up to $5,028 in credits. In 2008, Hawai‘i recipients of the EITC reached 88,000 and received more than $155 million in credit.

“We launched California’s WE Connect program in 2005 when we found that so many families struggling financially were not aware of the money-saving programs and support services that were already available to them,” said First Lady Shriver. “Today, the need for these vital resources is greater than ever, and we are pleased that Governor Lingle has partnered with us to expand WE Connect nationally and ensure that millions more families in need have an opportunity to get ahead.”

The WE Connect campaign is multi-faceted, with the primary push being WEConnect.net, a website with links to resources, locations, and contact information for helpful organizations and offices. The WEbConnector tool is designed to help people determine whether they qualify for any assistance programs: EITC, Child Tax Credit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Women, Infant, and Children’s Program (WIC), or Child Care Credit.

Because of the recent economic downturn, many who have not previously qualified for programs may now be eligible, so all residents are encouraged to explore their options on WEConnect.net

“With unemployment in decline, Hawai‘i’s residents are gaining economic ground,” said Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. “Our residents clearly benefit from these assistance programs, but how to obtain financial help and job opportunities is not always easy or clear. WE Connect can provide additional help to get people back on their feet on their own.”

The Hawai‘i site features links to public and private local resources, such as food pantry locations, free tax locations, job postings, career fairs, internship and volunteer opportunities, and free legal help locations. Contact information for public community schools and social service offices are also listed on the website.

The Hawai‘i WE Connect site also provides small business resources, including links to online business registration though the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and advice for new business owners.

Visit: www.WEConnect.net

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