Hawaii Legislature voting on more than 150 bills
Hawaii lawmakers are planning to vote on the state budget and more than 150 other bills Tuesday as they near the end of this year’s legislative session.
The House and Senate planned to work throughout the day to pass the measures and send them to Democratic Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his approval or veto.
Next year’s $11 billion overall state budget is larger than the current year’s spending plan in large part because demand for government services including Medicaid has risen as a result of the down economy. The current year’s budget is about $10.2 billion.
Other bills getting votes Tuesday include an elimination of business tax exemptions, state recognition for Native Hawaiians, an overhaul of foreclosure laws and increases in vehicle fees.