Categorized | Government, News

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard notes Hawaii’s priorities in President’s budget

MEDIA RELEASE

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today highlighted the Hawai‘i priorities in President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget request, and renewed her call to exempt Hawai‘i from a hike in airline fees. The President’s budget request totals $3.901 trillion, adhering to 2015 spending levels that were agreed to by Congress in the Bipartisan Budget Act last December. In the budget request, the Aviation Passenger Security Fee increases again from $5.60 per one-way trip to $6.00. Congress recently approved an increase from $2.50 to $5.60 per trip.

“As our economy continues to recover from the financial crisis, it is important to continue making smart investments and necessary cuts to use every taxpayer dollar effectively,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “Congress must recognize the unique role that airline travel plays in Hawai‘i. An additional airline fee increase balances the budget on the backs of our people who depend on affordable air travel just to get to work, access healthcare, and visit their family and friends. I will continue to work toward a Hawai‘i exemption to this fee hike, as has been done previously for Hawai‘i and Alaska.

“Hawai‘i has a number of priorities that I will work to address throughout the budget process, including funds for military construction, support for our kupuna and keiki, and investments in innovation and technology.”

The President’s budget proposal would repeal tax breaks to oil and gas companies, using some of the billions of dollars in savings for further research on alternative energy. It also proposes measures to address opportunity inequality.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said, “One of the greatest challenges we face today is the huge gap that exists between the wealthy, and those who struggle daily just to feed their families and raise their keiki. I strongly support the President’s proposal to close tax loopholes that cater to top earners and special interests, and welcome efforts to support job creation and opportunities for working- and middle-class families across our islands.”

A few Hawai‘i highlights in the President’s Budget include:
Please note: this is not a complete list of Hawai‘i budget items.

Hawai‘i Military Construction:

  • $96 million: Fort Shafter
  • $53.4 million: Kaneohe Bay
  • $9.7 million: Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
  • $52.9 million: Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

$32 million: Native Hawaiian Education
$27 million: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions
$13 million: Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program
$11 million: East-West Center
$250 million: Honolulu Rail Transit Project

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