State legislature closes an ambitious session

State legislature closes an ambitious session

Additionally, the Earned Income Tax Credit was made permanent and refundable, a move projected to boost the incomes of 5,452 Kauaʻi families by $420 on average next tax season.

“When they see their refund checks in the mail, when they see the EITC kick in,” said Morikawa, “it’s going to be tremendous.”

A measure to increase the state’s mandatory minimum wage, which died in the legislature two years ago, was also revived this session in a House bill. The wage would increase incrementally until it reaches $18 an hour in 2028, making it the highest in the nation and matching Hawai‘i’s highest in the nation cost of living.

Reflections on Hawaiʻi’s ‘historic’ legislative session shine bright

Reflections on Hawaiʻi’s ‘historic’ legislative session shine bright

Community urges Gov. Ige to sign nation’s first $18 minimum wage law

Community urges Gov. Ige to sign nation’s first $18 minimum wage law