From Ige for Governor Campaign, January 28, 2014
Friend --
This past weekend, the Star-Advertiser's Richard Borreca used the Governor's State of the State as the opening trumpet call for the 2014 governor's race.
The State of the State speech description implying that we have a budget surplus is not entirely accurate. In reality, over the past three years, I have worked with my colleagues in the Legislature to make tough decisions to build a responsible financial plan. The referenced $844 million surplus is a direct result of the nearly $800 million in cuts that the Legislature has made from the governor's proposed budgets during his tenure. But even this is not a true surplus, because our State’s unfunded liabilities – such as civil service retirement benefit obligations – exceed this amount.
I am disappointed that growing the state's economy is not a priority of the Governor. I promise you that an Ige Administration would make this a priority so that we can afford to pay our obligations when they become due.
At this time, it is critical that we continue to build our team. That is why I am asking you to join Team Ige and "Like" our Facebook Page today to keep up to date with the campaign!
I hope that we can count on your continued support. Together we will win this!
Mahalo,
David
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