GOP: IDEAS FOR THE SPECIAL SESSION

WE NEED BI-PARTISAN ACTION

The State House Republican Caucus has released the following statement

As Hawaii faces a massive economic crisis, Republicans believe any economic response package must include tax relief, as advocated by Congressional leaders of both parties, by Governor Cayetano, and by local small business. Our caucus favors suspending the food tax to lower the cost of living for Hawaii's people, and stimulate local spending to help small business. We also favor eliminating the capital gains tax on new investments that are held for at least two years, with the tax credit awarded once two years have passed.

Republicans believe it is essential that all elected officials work together for a bipartisan special session package that will truly help the people of Hawaii. Our Republican caucus is unified and we feel confident Hawaii can address the problems facing us in a bipartisan manner. Republicans plan to work with Governor Cayetano and the Democrats to support programs such as:

• Extended unemployment and expanded QUEST benefits.

• Innovative, imaginative tourism promotion.

• An increase in the renovation tax credit.

• A one-week retail tax holiday.

• Accelerated capital improvement spending facilitated by changing the procurement process.

• Use of streamlined procurement procedures to reduce the capital improvement and repair and maintenance backlog at our schools.

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