Posted at 11:07 a.m., Monday, January 23, 2006
Lingle unveils plans for state's $574 million surplus
| • | PDF file: Gov. Lingle's State of the State address |
Advertiser Staff
In her fourth State of the State address, Gov. Linda Lingle today asked legislators to pass a $285 million tax relief package, set aside more money for the state's Rainy Day Fund and give the Department of Education $90 million more to address the repair and maintenance backlog in Hawai'i public schools.Lingle proposed using half of the state's $574 million surplus for tax relief by raising the standard deduction, adjusting income tax brackets and providing tax credits.
"Now is the perfect time to share the results of this success with the people who made it possible — taxpayers who are struggling with the high cost of living, including skyrocketing housing prices and property taxes," she said.
Lingle suggested doubling the size of the state's Rainy Day Fund from $55 million to $110 million in order to create a "cushion for those times when the unexpected occurs."
Lingle also discussed spending increases to address needs at the DOE and the University of Hawai'i, and in the availability of affordable housing.
She also proposed revoking the driving privileges of drivers who fail to yield for pedestrians.
