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In the 2017 legislative session, we are focused on advocating for tax relief packages for low- and moderate-income residents, as well as minimum wage increases. These measures will allow low- and moderate-income families to keep more of their own money in their wallets and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

The Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) and local foster parents have reached an agreement regarding the amount that should be paid to cover the expense of caring for children in foster care. The agreement is intended to bring to a close a federal class action lawsuit that was filed in December 2013, and a related case filed in state court.

When the lawsuits were filed, foster parents were provided with a stipend of $529 per…

In April 2016, the Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice released a report entitled “The State of Poverty in Hawai‘i: How Hawai‘i’s Residents Are Faring Post-Recovery.” The report brings together the most recent available data to provide a snapshot of how low-income residents have fared after the economic recovery.

While some indicators have improved, families continue to struggle. Hawai‘i has the highest cost of living but the lowest wages in the country…