News

Despite being passed unanimously by members of the Senate and House of Representatives, Governor David Ige has placed Senate Bill 2077 on his veto list. The bill offers benefits to employees adversely affected by the privatization of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation in the Maui Region.
 
While this is not entirely unexpected as Gov. Ige has express concern about the cost, we believe the numbers that the state is quoting are exaggerated and distorted. It is wrong to veto this bill - the state chose to legislatively break its contract with you, our members. HGEA staff and members lobbied and educated legislators about the situation and asked them to help affected employees by offering a severance or earlier retirement benefits.
 
Now Gov. Ige needs to hear from you. Please contact him by phone, fax, mail, through his website or on social media. Ask him to do the right thing and let SB 2077 become law.
 
David Ige
Governor, State of Hawai`i
Executive Chambers
State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-586-0034
Fax: 808-586-0006
Web Site: governor.hawaii.gov
 
Sample message:
 
Dear Gov. David Ige,
 
We humbly urge you to either sign SB 2077 or let it pass into law without your signature. Many families are suffering through difficult decisions regarding their future employment and retirement due to the privatization of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Maui Region. The severance or early retirement in SB 2077 offers a bit of hope. We thought we had a contract with the state for public employment at least through June 30, 2017, and most of us thought a public service career brought a secure future. Without this help, we may have to consider relocating to another island or the mainland.
 
Please let SB 2077 become law.
 
Sincerely,
 
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