April 2, 2009 - Governor's Weekly Radio Address - Budget Choices

Click here to listen to this address.

Aloha,

The most important issue facing our state this legislative session is adopting a two-year, balanced budget that best addresses our state's needs.

The choices the Legislature and my Administration will make together are not easy. However, they are decisions that must be made.

I believe that layoffs of state employees now or county employees next year, will only add to our unemployment and increase the personal, family and community tragedy that accompanies job losses. 

Also, any general tax increases at this time will further damage the economy and prolong our recovery. Higher taxes would be the straw that would break the back of many local businesses.

We've done our best to propose a balanced set of budget alternatives that enable us to continue pursuing our long-term priorities of economic transformation, energy security, STEM education, Recreational Renaissance, affordable housing and infrastructure modernization. 

Mahalo.  This is Governor Linda Lingle.