Legislature should prioritize children by investing in their future
Failure means relegating some kids to a future of poverty and poor mental and physical health.
Wage measures still alive
A bill in the state House of Representatives that would increase the minimum wage cleared a committee hurdle Tuesday.
New director Will White shares future advocacy plans for Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center
A discussion on the intersection of health and economic well-being, as well as short and long-term plans for HPBC.
State tax bill could have major impact on Kauaʻi
A bill in the state legislature could potentially mean more money in the pockets of working families on Kauaʻi.
Legislators consider extending income tax credit for struggling families
Every dollar a tax filer gets from the EITC generates another $1.24 in economic activity. This type of tax refund can act as an economic stimulus for the state.
Working families deserve permanent earned income tax refund
We can ensure that communities across Hawaiʻi are stronger and better prepared for the many challenges that lay ahead in the 21st century by strengthening our state EITC.
West Oʻahu reps plan to tackle traffic, tech and the cost of living
Lawmakers want the public to weigh in this session on the bills that matter most to their communities.
Hawaiʻi tax reform could increase healthcare affordability, experts say
The Hawaiʻi Budget & Policy Center is calling for lawmakers to pass tax reform that would address racial and socioeconomic disparities across the state.
Biden’s spending bill could be a ‘game changer’ for housing in Hawaiʻi
The Build Back Better bill that the U.S. Senate is debating has the potential to make a huge dent in Hawaiʻi’s affordable housing needs, according to advocates.
How the ‘Build Back Better’ plan saves money and lives
The answer lies in an expansion of the strategy that held the line against poverty in 2020 and that helped America out of the Great Depression.
Hawaiʻi Budget and Policy Center director Beth Giesting’s economic update
The pandemic’s effect on the state economy: Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis, and its role as a social determinant of health; and key takeaways from the state budget.
Invest in human infrastructure, not just roads and bridges
Reps. Ed Case and Kai Kahele have the opportunity to help Congress build back a more resilient and equitable economy.
State tax collections soared back to pre-pandemic levels in the past year
The stunning rebound in general treasury tax revenue was driven by increased state income tax collections.
Hawaiʻi gov intends to veto dozens of bills, likely triggering a special session
Ige signaled he may scrap the legislature’s last tax fairness proposal, which would raise taxes on the sale of luxury property valued over $4 million.
A cautious legislature, locked in the capitol, played it safe
Critics hoped the pandemic would be the catalyst for significant changes to address longterm problems facing Hawaiʻi. But the budget shortfall dominated the 2021 session.
Hawaiʻi lawmakers finish session after huge federal aid boost
The pandemic wouldn’t have hurt nearly as much if Hawaiʻi residents were making wages that paid enough to cover their basic needs.
City Council considers measure that would create a progressive residential property tax
The shift to a more progressive property tax was suggested by the Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency in 2019.
Lawmakers should pass tax bills to fix our upside-down tax system
Minimum wage earners should not be paying a higher percentage in taxes than those at the top.
Virus relief money plugs hole in proposed Hawaiʻi budget
Beth Giesting said she still needs to see more details of the House budget but she’s optimistic that Hawaiʻi won’t have to drastically cut spending as feared.
Senate’s tax fairness bill is good for Hawaiʻi—here’s why
Senate Bill 56 accomplishes what most of us would like our tax system to do: It assesses a greater contribution to the public good from those who can afford it.