Republican legislators
back Lingle initiatives
Republican state lawmakers say they will back Gov. Linda Lingle's initiatives on education, jobs and crime.
"There are a lot of things that are going to be done this legislative session that don't involve direct legislative initiatives such as bills, such as modifying the budget," Senate Minority Leader Fred Hemmings (R, Lanikai-Waimanalo) said yesterday.
The House and Senate Republicans will:
>> Try to rescind binding arbitration to settle contract negotiation impasses for state and county workers who are not deemed essential for protecting public health and safety. Lingle endorses such a proposal.While the Republican lawmakers support treatment and prevention as a way to combat methamphetamine, or "ice," use in Hawaii, they said the recommendations of a joint House-Senate task force did not go far enough.>> Support Lingle's proposals for local school boards, a new funding formula for schools and more power for school principals.
>> Back Lingle's plan to raise the standard income tax deduction as a means of spurring the economy and creating more jobs. Also, the lawmakers are again proposing to eliminate the excise tax on food purchases and medical services.
>> Support the governor's proposals to loosen the state's wiretap requirements and to make it easier for police to search suspected drug couriers at the airports.
"It doesn't really help police do their jobs. If we're going to stop ice, we've got to help the cops do what they have to do," said Rep. Galen Fox (R, Waikiki-Ala Moana).
Republican lawmakers in the Senate are introducing a resolution to voice support of U.S. Rep. Ed Case's efforts to exempt the state from federal law that prevents foreign cruise ships from transporting passengers between the mainland and Hawaii.