HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0722.041 2016-2018Murashige, Laura
From: Russell Ruderman <russell@islandnaturals.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 04, 2018 10:49 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony on GE tax increase - Bill 102
Aloha Councilmembers.
I am testifying as an individual in support of raising the GE tax 1/2% at this rare opportunity to do so. No one likes tax
increases, and I realize it takes courage and a good reason to support it. Many will say'this is a regressive tax and harms
poor people who cannot afford it.'
I urge you to recognize this important fact:
The lack of a functional, reliable public transportation system harms poor people many times more than a 1/2% increase
in GE.
To truly help the poor in our county, create a reliable convenient bus system. This is County kuleana to do so, the County
has failed the people in this important responsibility, and it is within your power to accomplish with this tax.
Lastly, please remember that most of the poor among us get SNAP benefits (aka Food Stamps) for their food budget
which are exempt from GE.
To summarize:
The lack of a functional, reliable public transportation system harms poor people many times more than a 1/2% increase
in GE.
Mahalo for this opportunity to testify.
Russell E. Ruderman
State Senator, Puna and Ka'u
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CO
Own No.
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