Gubernatorial Candidate Senator David Ige Response To Governor Abercrombie’s Statement Regarding Political Agenda’s

News Release from Ige Campaign March 6, 2014

“The governor may not be following the legislative process closely, as he suggests asking me via a print interview today why I did not support a particular bill. In fact, the bill did not make it through the legislative process to my committee, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. I did not hear the bill he mentions.”

I do acknowledge that in 2011, the governor did--and I quote from his interview today--‘…not concede until that last hammer comes down on that last day and minute and second of the Legislature….’, to push through his bill to tax retiree pensions of $37,500 or more. Under my leadership, the committee on Ways and Means killed this bill that would have taxed the retiree pensions.

It appears to me that the governor may believe we have forgotten his fight to tax retiree pensions.

Today, the Ways and Means Committee continues its efforts of holding the line on inequitable bills from the governor’s office, and seeking legislation that is fair and reasonable.

Be assured that a broadly supported package of legislation targeting our kupuna, and low income kupuna and others, has passed the Ways and Means Committee this session and is continuing to move.”

The kupuna package includes:

• A refundable food and excise tax credit (SB2202)
• Amending income tax credits for low-income household renters (SB2208)
• Appropriating funds directly for necessary long-term care services for aging and disabled individuals on Medicaid (SB149)
• Appropriating funds directly for operation of Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs investor education and other related financial education programs, targeted to kupuna
• Appropriating funds for various purposes relating to aging services, including: (SB2346)
  • Kupuna care program
  • Aging and disability program
  • Healthy aging partnership program of HTH's office on aging.
  • Public education awareness campaign conducted by EOA

For more information on the campaign, please visit www.davidige.org and follow the campaign at Facebook http://www.facebook.com/davidige2014 and on Twitter @davidige2014.

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Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Senator David Ige's Statement Regarding Governor’s Action Against Public Utility Commissioner Hermina Morita

News Release from Ige Campaign March 5, 2014

I call upon the Governor to act in the public interest now and reappoint Hermina Morita as chair of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). There is no sound reason to replace her.

This appointment is about the financial responsibility of the PUC to regulate public service companies operating in our state. We are at a critical point in our State’s renewable energy efforts. The legislature has tasked the PUC with strategic, technical, and policy issues to move our State forward.

Energy policy is critical for Hawaii’s long-term future and decisions must be based on the common good for Hawaii’s people as opposed to special interests.

Hermina Morita’s record is clear. Her commitment to public service is unwavering. If the Governor does not reappoint her it will continue to erode trust and confidence in our government.

For more information on the campaign, please visit www.davidige.org and follow the campaign at Facebook http://www.facebook.com/davidige2014 and on Twitter @davidige2014.

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