Hope for Hawai‘i and the road ahead
Posted on Jan 29, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured“The key to reviving our economy remains tied to the health of our community.”
Governor Ige outlines his vision for the state.
Twelve months ago, we met in the House Chambers planning for what we thought would be a very bright and promising year. State revenues were at a high of $8 billion. Our unemployment rate was the lowest in the nation. And we had our best credit rating ever from the bond market. Literally overnight, our expectations were crushed by the coronavirus pandemic. Hawai‘i moved quickly, but the virus was not to be denied. With so much to deal with, where do we begin? In spite of it all, I believe we begin with hope. Hope, because there are safe and effective vaccines being distributed and more on the horizon. Hope because we have a president who believes in science and who has real empathy for the millions of Americans affected by this disease. Hope because all around us, there are everyday heroes.