HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	236
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

urging the commission on salaries to suspend the automatic salary increase and extend the salary reduction for members of the legislature until hawaii's economic forecast reflects greater growth and vitality.

     WHEREAS, from 2006, Hawaii's economic boom began to slowdown reflecting an increasing inflation rate and decline in job growth; and

     WHEREAS, in 2009, the State faced a projected $1,100,000,000 budget shortfall, increasing unemployment rate and projected declines in tourism and retail sales; and

     WHEREAS, Act 85, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, established the salary reduction for members of the Legislature beginning on July 1, 2009 and ending on June 20, 2011, in response to the State's economic uncertainty; and

     WHEREAS, by 2011, Hawaii's economic forecast remained bleak with an unstable job market and increasing homeless population; and

     WHEREAS, Act 48, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, extended the salary reduction for members of the Legislature until June 30, 2013, in response to Hawaii's economic forecast; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's current inflation and unemployment rates are expected to slightly improve despite Hawaii's growing rate of poverty and homelessness; and

     WHEREAS, on July 1, 2013, the Commission on Salaries recommendation to increase the salaries of Senators and Representatives by $12,808 per annum will become effective; and

     WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that many Hawaii residents continue to face financial hardship and have difficulty obtaining affordable housing and employment; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, the Senate concurring, that the Commission on Salaries is urged to suspend the automatic salary increase and extend the salary reduction for members of the Legislature until Hawaii's economic forecast reflects greater growth and vitality; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Commission on Salaries and to the Members of the Commission on Salaries.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Salary; Members of the Legislature.