Infrastructure, education top governor's priorities in supplemental budget

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Infrastructure upgrades, education and health care are the top priorities in the governor's supplemental budget for the coming fiscal year.

The budget was submitted to the Legislature on Monday.

"When I ran for governor, I made a promise to the people of Hawaii. I said that we would get our government house in order, honor our obligations and commitments and act to improve the lives of Hawaii's people. The budget I am submitting this year keeps that promise," Ige said, in a news release.

"This is a supplemental budget year, a year when we make targeted changes to the budget adopted last year. We are focused on areas where government can make a real difference in the lives of Hawaii's citizens."

The budget provides additional amounts for a slew of government programs and services, including:

• $729 million for to improve our basic infrastructure and economic development to support the keys to our economy;
• $161 million to support affordable housing so our people can find places to live'
• $247 million to address critical health care needs, particularly for those among us least able to help themselves;
• and $248 million for education, which remains one of my highest priorities and on which a lot more needs to be done in the years that lie ahead.

In addition, Ige said, funding is being set aside to honor financial commitments. He said his administration is proposing to act aggressively to pay down debts and fully fund Hawaii's employee retirement obligations.

To see the supplemental budget, click here.

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