Creating a Fairer State Tax System and Economy for All Families
Type
Policy Brief or Report
Year
2013
Level
State
State(s)
Hawaii
Policy Areas
Democracy & Governance, Economic Justice
Hawaii's lower-income families are faced with almost insurmountable structural challenges to escaping poverty. They face the highest cost of living and highest cost of shelter in the nation. At the same time, Hawaii's wages are the lowest in the nation when adjusted for the cost of living, and people in poverty pay more in taxes than residents in all but three states. This report is aimed at identifying new policies that can make real differences in the lives of individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. The report recommends that during its 2014 session, Hawaii's legislature adopt a package of five policies that will significantly increase the economic vitality of their low and moderate-income residents.