Reform tax system for common good

Fund Our Future

Mar 3

Written By Rev. Jessica Kawamura and Rev. Kaleo Patterson

Each month, thousands of families line up in church parking lots in Wahiawā, receive much-needed boxes of food, and community support and love. The look of hunger, fear and uncertainty is very apparent.

We’re now halfway through the 2021 legislative session, and our state’s lawmakers face the dilemma of debating how to help families like those that we see lined up in church parking lots across our state, while at the same time facing large budget deficits.

The governor has already proposed cuts to programs, such as the state needle exchange program and other AIDS treatment services, the Office of Language Access, the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, and the Youth Challenge Academy in Hilo.

In considering our state’s financial options, we urge, urge and urge our leaders at the state Capitol to at least consider options to raise revenue from those who are best able to contribute. At this critical time, we must do all we can to ensure our social services providers can keep their doors open and serve those with the greatest need.

PandemicPandemic ReliefRecessionRecession LessonsSystemic PovertyPovertySystemic RacismCost of LivingAffordabilitySocietal CostsHouselessnessHomelessnessOutmigrationAffordable HousingHousing CostsHousing CrisisHousing ShortageCommunity HealthHealthHealth PolicyHealthcare CostsMental HealthPublic HealthPublic Health CrisisKeiki HealthFamily HealthEconomic HealthEconomic ImpactEconomic JusticeEconomic PolicyEconomic StimulusEconomyWorking FamiliesIncome InequalityInequalityInequityWealth GapWealth ExtractionExploitationCommodificationWealth TaxTax The RichFund Our FutureGovernment InvestmentGovernment ProgramsGovernment SpendingTax SystemTax RevenueTax PolicyTax Fairness2021 Legislative SessionHawaii State LegislatureLegislationLegislative ProcessLegislatorsLawmakersHawaiiPolicyPublic PolicyPeople First

Rev. Jessica Kawamura and Rev. Kaleo Patterson

The Rev. Jessica M. Kawamura is with Wahiawā United Methodist Church; the Rev. Kaleo Patterson is with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wahiawā.

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