Hirono: Trump Budget Proposal Is Dangerous for Hawaii Families

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono condemned the President’s budget, and highlighted its devastating impact on Hawaii families.

“President Trump’s budget is dangerous for Hawaii families,” said Senator Hirono. “It dismantles Medicaid, breaks his promise not to cut Social Security, eliminates Native Hawaiian programs, slashes food stamps and other support for working families, guts federal education programs, and defunds federal investments that create local jobs. I will fight tooth and nail in opposition to these dangerous and devastating cuts to programs Hawaii families depend on every day.”

Highlights of the Trump Budget’s Devastating Impact to Hawaii Priorities:

Native Hawaiian Education Program: $0

The Native Hawaiian Education program funds programs throughout the state.

Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant: $0

This program received $2 million in funding in Fiscal Year 2017.

University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program: $0

Since 1968, the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program has promoted better understanding, conservation, and use of coastal services.

East-West Center: $0

Essential Air Service: 50% cut

The Essential Air Service program supports air transportation to Kalaupapa and Kamuela.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership: $0

Last year, Innovate Hawaii received $500,000 from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Innovate Hawaii used this funding to support 49 companies resulting in $17.3M in additional investments, $28.3M in increased company revenue, 565 saved jobs, and 72 new jobs.

Rural Water & Wastewater Loans and Grants: $0

The Hawaii Rural Water Association relies on Rural Water & Wastewater Loans & Grants because small utilities are often not able to access other funding programs.

Weatherization Assistance Program & State Energy Program: $0

In Fiscal Year 2016, Hawaii received $477,000 to assist Hawaii families with improving energy-efficient technology in their homes.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund Native American/Native Hawaiian Programs: $0

CDFIs are financial institutions that support community development, and include Bank of Hawaii, a number of Hawaii credit unions, and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Programs: $0

CDBG and HOME funds provide resources that each of Hawaii’s counties uses to invest in community development and affordable housing projects.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): $0

The CSBG program provides Hawaii’s four Community Action Agencies with resources to provide a variety of services for low-income and working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children.

Medicaid: $610 billion cut

Nearly 350,000 Hawaii residents depend on Medicaid to access health care.

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