Grassroot Institute Testifies in Favor of Ending Tax on Food

SB 2169 Would Help Working Families and the Poor

News Release from Grassroot Institute

HONOLULU, Hawaii—February 6, 2014—Today, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii submitted testimony in favor of SB 2169, which would provide an exemption to the General Excise Tax for food and medical services.

In that testimony, Grassroot emphasized that the savings this represents to Hawaii's working families will give real and immediate help in difficult economic times. Already, 32 states have similar exemptions, and research has demonstrated that low and middle-income families spend a larger proportion of their income on food costs, making SB 2169 an effective way of providing relief to those who need it most..

"It has been a goal of this body and of the Grassroot Institute to relieve the burden that the high cost of living in Hawaii places on the working men and women of our state," stated Keli'i Akina, President of Grassroot Institute. "With the average Hawaii family of four paying more than $1000 dollars per month on groceries—nearly double the national average—this bill represents real and immediate relief for thousands of Hawaii citizens.  It is estimated that, if passed, this bill will save the average working family in our state approximately $450 per year. For many families, that $450 is the safety net needed to overcome an unexpected expense, such as a car repair or a way to pay the bills during a difficult phase of employment."

Dr. Akina concluded: "Grassroot Institute of Hawaii looks for free market solutions that would strengthen our state’s economy while remaining responsive to the needs of our citizens. It is our opinion that SB 2169 fits these goals admirably by reducing a tax that creates a disproportionate burden on the low-income and working families of our state."

Grassroot Institute's testimony can be read in full at: LINK

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About the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii:

Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, the free market, and limited, accountable government throughout Hawai`i and the Asia-Pacific region.  Read more about us at http://www.grassrootinstitute.org/

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Donate to help us grow: http://tinyurl.com/GrassrootDonate

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About Grassroot President:

Dr. Akina is a recognized scholar, educator, public policy spokesperson, and community leader. In 2012, he was a candidate for the non-partisan position of Trustee in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.  Akina has decades-long experience leading non-profit organizations including Youth for Christ Hawai`i and the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders. An expert in East-West Philosophy, he has taught at universities in China and the United States, and continues as an adjunct instructor at Hawai`i Pacific University and the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Read more: http://bit.ly/AkinaBioInfo

Text, Status: SB2169

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