Job creation and economic development remain key priorities as lawmakers near the midway point of the 2012 legislative session.

Earlier this session, lawmakers addressed urgent issues, such as providing funding for an organ transplant center in Hawaii and postponing an unemployment tax rate hike that would have cost employers about $500 more per employee.

Now, as the House and Senate prepare to trade bills by the Thursday crossover deadline, members are focused on long-term strategies to stimulate the economy.

House Majority Leader Pono Chong said some of the most promising bills are those that would attract more business.