Minority Leader's Statement on using the Hurricane Relief Fund for Furloughs

Media release

Honolulu – Sunday, April 25, 2010

The House Republicans will be voting in favor of taking money from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund when the bill comes to the House floor for a vote (SB2124). Throughout the session the Republicans suggested the bill be amended to borrow from the fund instead of raiding it. Earlier this month the House Republicans released their version of the budget.

"The House Republican's balanced budget and six year financial plan borrows funds from the Hurricane Relief Fund and pays it back in future years. That would be the responsible thing to do," stated Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan.

The House Republicans support the Governor's plan to give the principals, teachers and parents the decision-making ability to choose who are essential employees in order to reinstate instructional days and who will remain on the existing furlough schedule.

"The legislature and the Governor are faced with balancing our statewide budget. If done right this plan will give those closest to the students the flexibility to meet the student's needs first," said Finnegan.

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