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HCR1 Budget Surplus.doc

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HAWAII SILVER LEGISLATURE, 2006

STATE OF HAWAII

H.C.R. NO.

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

URING THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE TO USE THE STATE’S

SURPLUS TO MEET THE UNMET 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, Governor Linda Lingle 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 impact

on Hawaii’s healthcare system; and

Whereas, with the aging of Hawaii’s population and the

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

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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 State has a responsibility to respond to these

areas of unmet social, educational, health, long-term care,

housing, and transportation needs for all of its citizens; now,

therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the

Hawaii Silver Legislature of 2005, the Senate concurring, that

Governor Linda Lingle and the members of the Legislature are

urged to use the expected State surplus to meet the tremendous

and critical needs in the following areas:

(1)

Lower and higher education;

(2)

Health services so all citizens--children, workers,

retirees, disabled--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

the 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 this Silver Legislature,

consisting of senior citizens who helped to build our state and

country with our work ethic and our sacrifices, and who live

mostly on a fixed income, declares that we are willing to forego

any refund in state taxes to meet the unmet critical social,

educational, health, long-term care, transportation, and other

needs in the best interest of our State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this Concurrent

Resolution be transmitted to the Governor of the State of

Hawaii, the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of

Representatives.