Starting another week after a weekend with the visiting peacock and his harem, along with yesterday’s visiting seal.
USA Today reported last week that Hawaii isn’t the only state to propose delaying tax refunds in order to yield temporary budget savings. California delayed refunds last year, New York may follow suit this year, and other states are considering it.
Now that the supplemental state budget has moved over to the Senate, it’s worth taking the time to read the House committee report on the budget bill, and to at least scan the bill itself. Further budget details are found in the House worksheets, also available online.
I see that Arizona is debating a 1% increase in its state sales tax, which is being boosted by GOP Governor Jan Brewer.
Finally, if you’re into such things, the six Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor will participate in a “speed dating” event sponsored by Progressive Democrats of Hawaii and the Hawaii Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action.
Saturday, March 27
10:00 am- 12:30 pm
Ward Warehouse, 2nd floor
Above Nohea Gallery, then walk townwardPlenty of Parking!
Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
According to the announcement:
The political speed-dating format was pioneered in Hawaii during the 2006 election, when 10 Democratic candidates competing for the Second Congressional House seat agreed to appear at a single event. Organizers tried to figure how to provide candidates and audience members the most effective interaction. The traditional format, with candidates sitting at the front of the room, fielding questions, meant that few questions could be asked and answered and the candidates would be at a distance from the audience members. The speed-dating format was decided upon and the event was a big hit with the candidates, the audience and the media.
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The speed dating format also is being using in other contexts. Recently, Rep. Maizie Hirono used that format at a community meeting in Hilo that she had organized. Rep. Hirono and several community leaders involved in interesting projects rotated through six or seven small groups. I think that those who attended generally were satisfied. Everyone got some face time with their representative and got better acquainted with some key members of the community.
Thanks for the plug for the Speed-dating” event. One of these candidates is probably going to be the next LG. That may not excite people, this group alsop includes future congressional, gubernatorial and (even) US Senatorial candidates.
This is a good opportunity to get a sense of who these people are.
I urge people to check out this KHNL news coverage of the 2006 Speed dating forum for a sense of how much fun the format can be:
http://pd-hawaii.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/KHNLCandForum2.mov