Handicapping the Upcoming Session
I expect that this legislative session will be similar to last year鈥檚 session in terms of the state budget. Although some economic indicators show that a slow recovery has commenced, the revenue picture of our state is still wanting.
Governor Neil Abercrombie will have a difficult task of balancing the budget, and lawmakers must work closely with the new administration as ideas for revenue enhancement or cuts are floated. The Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Finance Committee will once again be reviewing the departmental budgets, and as a member of WAM, all the department heads have shared their experiences with the furloughs, reduction in work force, and other operational cuts.
Many ideas will be on the table to balance the budget, but it is too early to tell what direction we will go. No one wants to raise taxes, however, difficult decisions will have to be made as the demands and desires of our residents are weighed against our income stream. Creativity will certainly be needed in the months ahead.
The debate about civil unions is expected again, and I know it will get heated like last year. With strong majorities in the House and Senate and with a Democratic governor, one can hypothesize that a bill鈥檚 chances are good this year. Whatever the outcome, I hope that the tenor of the discussion is calm and civilized, and the tone is respectful and considerate.
Bills without an appropriation have a better chance to pass than those bills with dollars attached, however, that does not mean it will be impossible to get funding. For example, I am working on an economic development bill to help our aerospace industry, and funding will be requested. Legislation to help the economy should get attention this year as we climb out of this recession and look at ways to stimulate the economy and create jobs. The economy must be a priority, and CIP projects that the state could fund can be a catalyst for development and growth in the near future.
Sustainability and alternative energy, education improvements, prison reform, agriculture, and the environment are other areas which will be on the agenda this year. I鈥檓 really hoping this could be the year to ban riding in the back of pick-up trucks. Too many people have died over the years, and legislative action could stop this tragedy. I also have a bill to allow victims of domestic violence to voluntarily use stun guns if they are properly trained and of sound mind. Domestic violence advocates have not supported this idea, but women who are in life and death situations should have this option in my opinion.
This will be an exciting year at the State Capitol, and with the Democrats firmly in control, expectations are high. Working together, I believe it will be a successful year.
Sen. Will Espero is the Majority Floor Leader and chair of the Public Safety, Government Operations, and Military Affairs Committee.
