Legislative Bodies Call for Economic Plan
Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser and House Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell speak to reporters about the governor’s State of the State address.
Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser and House Majority Leader Kirk Caldwell held a joint press conference today with local reporters to question what they feel are missing pieces in the State of the State address that Gov. Lingle delivered yesterday. With a recent stock market drop, interest rate scares and a generally-slowing economy, the address provided few details of support for Hawai‘i’s economic future.
“We were looking for a direction and strategic planning,” Rep. Caldwell said. “Instead we were given plans for more spending.”
“Rather than wait for the potential economic crisis, we need to put a comprehensive plan into place that will get us through rough spots that might lie ahead,” Sen. Hooser said.
Rep. Caldwell called attention to the fact that Hawai‘i’s executive branch has all year to formulate and activate plans, while the legislative bodies are in session for only 60 days.
“If the Lingle administration will provide a direction for the state’s economic future, both bodies will work in cooperation,” Sen. Hooser said.