Hawaiʻi lawmakers propose package to reduce income inequality

A joint House and Senate package of economic bills, strongly supported by the Ige Administration, is sharply focused on removing economic obstacles and improving the lives of Hawaiʻi’s working-class. This historic collaboration was unveiled at the State Capitol today during a joint press conference.

House Speaker Scott K. Saiki said that the joint legislative bill package tackles the issues highlighted in the Aloha United Way sponsored report, “ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaiʻi.” The ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report describes the economic hardships facing many working individuals and families in Hawaiʻi. According to the report, after allocating monies to pay for expenses such as housing, child care, food, taxes, health care, and transportation, a family of four needs to earn roughly $77,000 a year simply to survive.

“What my colleagues and I are proposing today to address the high cost of living in Hawaiʻi will directly support individuals and families who are struggling the most to make ends meet,” said Speaker Saiki. “Every dollar counts when you are trying to stretch each paycheck just to meet basic needs. By increasing wages and tax benefits, investing in child care, and creating more affordable housing units, the Legislature, together with public and private partners, is working to end the cycle of poverty.”