From Ige for Governor Campaign,  January 28, 2014

Friend --    

This past weekend, the Star-Advertiser's Richard Borreca used the Governor's State of the State as the opening trumpet call for the 2014 governor's race.

The State of the State speech description implying that we have a budget surplus is not entirely accurate. In reality, over the past three years, I have worked with my colleagues in the Legislature to make tough decisions to build a responsible financial plan. The referenced $844 million surplus is a direct result of the nearly $800 million in cuts that the Legislature has made from the governor's proposed budgets during his tenure.  But even this is not a true surplus, because our State’s unfunded liabilities – such as civil service retirement benefit obligations – exceed this amount.

I am disappointed that growing the state's economy is not a priority of the Governor. I promise you that an Ige Administration would make this a priority so that we can afford to pay our obligations when they become due.

At this time, it is critical that we continue to build our team. That is why I am asking you to join Team Ige and "Like" our Facebook Page today to keep up to date with the campaign!

I hope that we can count on your continued support. Together we will win this! 

Mahalo,

David