THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

8

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  
   

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

URGING THE GOVERNOR TO USE THE STATE'S SURPLUS TO MEET THE CRITICAL SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, HEALTH, LONG-TERM CARE, TRANSPORTATION, and OTHER NEEDS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR STATE, RATHER THAN ISSUING A TAX REFUND.

 

WHEREAS, due to an increase in state revenues, it is projected that there will be a surplus of several hundred million dollars; and

WHEREAS, the Governor is considering using the surplus to provide a tax refund to its citizens; and

WHEREAS, the media has often highlighted the problems and unmet needs of Hawaii's public education system that could be met in part by using the State's surplus; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii claims to be the "Health State" and enjoys the highest percentage of individuals with medical coverage across the nation, yet too many children, part-time workers, and disabled persons receive no medical coverage and must either survive without these essential human services or rely on state-funded emergency services; and

WHEREAS, with the anticipated wave of baby boomers entering their retirement years in the very near future, it is necessary for the State to play a leadership role and plan for this tremendous impact on Hawaii's healthcare system; and

WHEREAS, with the aging of Hawaii's population and increased life expectancy, it is also necessary to develop a State plan that addresses the long-term care needs of all its citizens, not just those who can afford the inordinately expensive long-term care plan policies; and

WHEREAS, the rising cost of affordable housing is causing extreme hardship for Hawaii's citizens, especially seniors and individuals with low incomes, resulting in increasing numbers of homelessness; and

WHEREAS, transportation costs are increasing and access to reasonably priced public transportation is getting more difficult; and

WHEREAS, the Silver Legislature, consisting of senior citizens who helped to build our state and country with their work ethic and sacrifices, many of whom live mostly on fixed incomes, also recognizes the State's critical social, educational, health, long-term care, transportation needs, and are willing to forego any refund in state taxes to meet these needs in the best interest of our State; and

WHEREAS, the State has a responsibility to respond to these areas of unmet needs for all of its citizens; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Governor is urged to use the expected state budget surplus to meet Hawaii's tremendous and critical needs in the following areas:

(1) Lower and higher education;

(2) Health services so all citizens--children, workers, retirees, and persons with disabilities--may have adequate medical coverage, including coverage for mental health services;

(3) Long-term care for all citizens and a program to support family caregivers;

(4) Reasonably priced housing for all citizens, including persons who are homeless;

(5) Reasonably priced transportation services for all; and

(6) Promoting a good business climate without deducting worker's pay, medical coverage, or the ability to save for a home or further education; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of Hawaii and the Silver Legislature.

 

 
 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

State Surplus; Appropriation