Lingle's speech to put deficit ideas on table
POSTED: Sunday, January 25, 2009
Tomorrow will be the day for Gov. Linda Lingle to start making serious proposals on how her administration will deal with the state's own budget deficit and how local businesses and residents will cope in a global recession.
Watch or hear governor's address live
The State of the State address by Gov. Linda Lingle will be broadcast and webcast live tomorrow at 10 a.m. statewide from the House chamber of the state Capitol. The Governor's Office says KGMB, KHNL, KHON, KITV and 'Olelo Channel 54 will carry the speech on television.
It can also be heard on KSSK 590 AM, KHVH 830 AM, KHPR 88.1 FM, KIPO 89.3 FM, KKUA 90.7 FM and KANO 81.1 FM radio.
The speech will also be on the Internet at www.hawaii.gov and local television station Web sites.
|
Last week, the state's Democratic leaders opened Hawaii's 25th legislative session by essentially telling voters that all economic options from gambling to tax increases “;are on the table”; for discussion.
For her part, Lingle also said her administration would consider everything, causing Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, Ways and Means chairwoman, to tell budget director Georgina Kawamura, “;You have laid out a smorgasbord - pick a dish.”;
Tomorrow will be time for Lingle to place her order.
Lawmakers are asking for specifics.
“;Obviously, she will talk about economy, and I am thinking she will try to come up with something regarding health care,”; predicted Sen. Robert Bunda, Senate president emeritus.
Current Senate President Colleen Hanabusa says she wants Lingle to commit to keeping state workers on the job, even as the state budget starts to run deficits.
“;I expect her to say there is a commitment to keeping warm bodies,”; Hanabusa said.
Hanabusa speculated that Lingle will continue her budget-balancing approach of tacking on user fees for state services.
“;She has already proposed user fees for the highway fund,”; Hanabusa said.
Republican Sen. Sam Slom said he also expected Lingle to talk about plans to redo state parks in a “;recreational renaissance.”;
Lingle mentioned that plan last week in her weekly radio address, and in legislative testimony, administrative officials said they were considering user fees for several state parks. Fees are already charged for visiting Diamond Head State Monument.
Slom said Lingle's agreeing to charge increased user fees to repair and expand state roads is also a concern. Lingle unveiled a plan last week that would cost taxpayers an additional $170 a year in increased car registration and gasoline taxes in order to widen and repair roads across the state.
Rep. Joe Souki predicted that the increased fees would be accepted because motorists would see faster improvement to state roads.
Finally, House Democratic leader Rep. Blake Oshiro said his colleagues are hoping for some direction from Lingle on taxes.
“;Tax increases are difficult, but at this point we have to look at everything - nothing is sacred,”; Oshiro said.
