LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT: URGENT REQUEST AS BILL UP FOR DECISION MAKING TODAY AT 2:15PM
From Maui Chamber of Commerce, February 12, 2016
The legislative session is in full swing and that often requires us to send you urgent requests, but this one is particularly urgent because of where it is at today and the fact that many were not aware of the tax implications hidden in this bill (see below). Therefore, we deeply apologize for the late notice and would truly appreciate your help as it seeks to increase the GET by 1% and increases taxable income.
4% to 5% is a 25% increase in the tax you pay!!
Please see our testimony
Here's the issue, many business groups did not have this bill on their radar because the bill title said it is Relating to Education and the description read: Amends laws affecting the public education system in Hawaii, including whole child education, special education, vocational education, facilities, weighted student formula, teacher recruitment and retention, standardized testing, early childhood education, evaluations, classroom supplies, class size, and funding.
The Title and Description did not reference any relation to Tax, which is typically the case on a tax bill, so it was missed in the scans of many groups has already been heard and moved forward to the point that it is up for decision making today.
We want the bill to die and not cross over. Therefore, your help is requested. As it is at the decision making point, please send testimony directly to Chair Takumi and Vice Chair Ohno (as the Chair leads decision making). While will support the Chair's decision, it would be helpful for the other members to know that we have deep concerns and that the way this bill was put forward does not feel transparent.
CLICK HERE for copy of HB2733
Click here for sample testimony you can personalize
Chair and Vice Chair
Members of the Committee
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