Republicans oppose new tax for care program
By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Senate Republicans yesterday criticized bills that would raise or create new taxes, including a measure authorizing the state to collect a monthly $10 tax to pay for a long-term care program.
"We think that the majority party is holding our elderly hostage, scaring them into supporting this initiative that is going to end up being like most other government insurance programs, costing twice as much and doing twice as less," said Senate Minority Floor Leader Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Waimanalo), of the long-term care bill.
Hemmings said private long-term care insurance is affordable and readily available.
Supporters of the bill have said the measure would help target a significant group that cannot afford private insurance but have too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
The Senate GOP also praised the bipartisan effort in the Senate to repeal the controversial photo traffic enforcement law and decentralize the school system.
"We're not playing games in the Senate," said Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom, R-8th (Wai'alae Iki, Hawai'i Kai). "We have bipartisan support. Tomorrow we will vote to repeal the traffic cam legislation until the Department of Transportation tells the public the truth and gets its act together and really talks about safety rather than revenue."
Senate Minority Policy Leader Bob Hogue, R-24th (Kane'ohe, Kailua), also said he was encouraged by Democrats' support for district elected school boards, a proposal long advocated by Republicans.
Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
