There were at least three opportunities for House leadership to hear bills that would have directly benefited local working families—UI/PUA tax relief as a House bill, general excise tax exemption on groceries, and SB 614 from the Senate. House leadership passed on worker relief at every turn.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will send a much needed influx of $1.6 billion to state coffers. House Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke announced the state now has enough money to repay a $700 million plus $40 million in interest unemployment insurance loan on behalf of Hawaii’s employers. That loan, while necessary, is the responsibility of employers.

While there is cause to support local businesses, there is an even greater need to support the patronage of the communities on which these businesses rely.

Rather than give a measured approach with equitable relief provided to both local businesses and working families, House leadership is proposing to forgive the federal loan to Hawaii employers in its entirety. And while they shot down raising the minimum wage, House leadership appears to have no problem giving themselves a raise.

Based on results, there’s money to save your boss. There’s even money for them. There’s just no money in the budget to save you.

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