Redefining poverty would throw millions off critical social support programs
A Trump Administration rule change would force millions of Americans off critical programs that help women, children and families meet their basic needs.
Enforcement of vacation rental regulations would restore balance
More than one out of every 20 housing units statewide is now offered as a vacation rental; in some communities, as many as four out of every 10 housing units have been converted into STRs.
Hawaiʻi plans to spend big on capital improvement projects and covering fixed costs
A brief analysis of the recently-adopted state spending plan for the next two fiscal years, starting July 1, 2019.
Hawaiʻi’s budget process became less transparent this year
Understanding the budget isn’t always easy. The legislature made this year’s budget process even murkier.
How high is too high? We actually know a lot about minimum wage increases
Raising the minimum wage would boost not just the pay of many struggling Hawaiʻi workers and their families; it would also boost the local economy.
Our taxes at work, and who pays them
Tax season is a good opportunity to reflect on our shared commitment to support the quality of life in our country and state.
Hawaiʻi’s Tax Commission recommends changes in tax code
The commission recommends revenue and tax policy changes needed to address the state’s budget needs, as well as create greater economic opportunity and social equity.
Hawaiʻi’s county budgets at a glance
During FY2018, the City and County of Honolulu, Kauaʻi County, Maui County, and Hawaiʻi County are expected to raise and spend more than $6 billion, the bulk of which is going to operations and the balance to capital improvements.
Hawaiʻi isn’t as good for women as it seems
Disaggregated data and a more accurate poverty measure reveal a different story for women in Hawaiʻi than some headlines suggest.
Hawaiʻi’s executive budget in action
The executive branch budget supports an array of essential health and social services, business development, environmental protection and education from kindergarten to university.
Will Hawaiʻi always be the “Health State?”
Research has shown that “health” is correlated with income and wealth equity, decent housing, and education, from preschool through college.
February SNAP benefits will be distributed early due to government shutdown
The early distribution could result in major disruptions to household food budgets should benefits run out before the next scheduled distribution in March.
Appleseed announces 2019 policy agenda
After months of research spent examining these critical issues, this agenda prioritizes efforts for maximum benefit to the community at-large.
Highlights from Governor Ige’s proposed state budget, 2019-21
More than half of the proposed executive budget will need to go to covering fixed costs like Medicaid funding and public pension and other post-employment benefits—so called “unfunded liabilities.”
Farm bill protects SNAP, other critical nutrition programs
The bill includes provisions that invest in our island’s rural communities, provide funding for farmers and advance sustainable community food systems.
Identifying opportunity within Hawaiʻi’s tax system
There exists an opportunity to use taxes to encourage positive trends, while making adjustments to where the burden of these taxes fall to create new opportunity for Hawaiʻi residents to thrive.
Hawaiʻi’s largest revenue source also hits low-income households hardest
A good tax system is not just about revenue. It should also be simple to comply with, collect fees from non-residents who benefit from public services, and should be equitable in how it treats taxpayers at different income levels.
Where your taxes go: a breakdown of Hawaiʻi’s fund categories, part 2
Part 2 of our look at Hawaiʻi’s fund categories will cover special funds, reserve funds, bond funds and state debt, and other funding sources.
Where your taxes go: a breakdown of Hawaiʻi’s fund categories, part 1
This post will cover the general fund and federal funds.
What makes a good tax system?
The best tax systems give appropriate breaks to low-income households to generate economic activity and collect more from those who have the most to spare.