Josh Green in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Health Care:
Invest in healthcare providers so we remain the health state
Some important specific items in the financial plan include:- More resources for the Hawai'i State Loan Repayment Program to help pay off educational loans for primary care and behavioral health providers, so that Hawai'i remains the health state
for generations to come--this investment will address our statewide healthcare provider shortage once-and-for-all.
- Over 60 new positions to expand nursing and medical programs across our UH campuses, with a special emphasis on behavioral health.
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The expansion of ICU and medical surgical units at Hilo Medical Center with $50 million in CIP funds.
- The firm establishment of the Office of Wellness & Resilience within the
Governor's Office, to focus on trauma informed care.
- Adding critical mental health resources for our schools and our communities.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Principles & Values:
Important to bring us together as one ohana, one family
Hawai'i is one 'ohana--one family--and this is one of our most important values and greatest strengths. This will be one of my most important responsibilities as governor--to bring people together,
unite us as one 'ohana, and always remind us that we are stronger together and we can accomplish anything when we share a common purpose.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Crime:
Move toward restorative approach not strictly punitive
Almost all of those convicted of non-violent crimes and held in our correctional facilities will one day return to our communities and will be living alongside us as our neighbors.
We must move toward a restorative approach to justice rather than strictly punitive one.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Energy & Oil:
Hydrogen technology has potential to make us energy exporter
As an island state, climate change threatens our economy, culture, environment, and the sustainability of our way of life. That's why I announced our commitment to providing 100 million dollars for a climate impact fund steered by the Climate Change
Mitigation and Adaption Commission. This includes looking at the resiliency of the power grid, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, land use planning, sea level rise, health, natural and cultural resource impacts, and much more.
We are preparing a historic application to potentially bring in over a billion dollars in federal and private sector investments to our state through a regional Hydrogen Hub. The integration of hydrogen technology into our grid, along with the continued
expansion of traditional renewable energy infrastructure, will give utilities, businesses, and local talent an international advantage, with the potential to turn our state into a regional energy exporter.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Families & Children:
Up to $10,000 child care tax credit for working families
We'll also take bold action to expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Under our proposal, working families paying for daycare, babysitters, summer camps, after school care, and adult daycare will be eligible for up to $10,000 of support
from the state. This will provide a huge relief for working families and help reduce the choice that many face--whether to start a family or to invest in a career.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Free Trade:
Reposition our economy to pursue global opportunities
We are the center of the Pacific linking together Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the broader United States. In the coming years, we will reposition our economy to pursue global opportunities--retooling tourism, developing green
technologies, and expanding our reach into international markets for our small businesses and our world-class professional sector. We are working on new plans to increase the export of locally-made and locally-grown products with our regional partners.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Government Reform:
We must be open, transparent, and accountable to the people
I agree with the recommendations of the House Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct--it's time to "rebuild integrity and trust in government." When it comes to governance, sunlight,
open windows, and plenty of fresh air are the best disinfectants. We need to build trust--and to do that we must be open, transparent, and accountable to the people.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Tax Reform:
Every income bracket will be paying less state income tax
Following recommendations of the 2020 Tax Commission, we'll reform our tax code to provide for a cost-of-living adjustment in response to recent inflationary pressures. This plan provides universal tax relief by:- Shifting Tax brackets to ensure
that working families aren't burdened by inflation
- More than doubling the Standard Deduction from $2,200 to $5,000
- Doubling the personal exemption from $1,144 to $2,288
Every income bracket in Hawai'i will be paying less state income tax.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
On Welfare & Poverty:
Safe, affordable, and stable housing is a human right
Safe, affordable, and stable housing is a human right, and it is more than just a place to live--it impacts our health, our identity, and sense of belonging. We need a comprehensive approach to housing that addresses all segments of the population,
from renters to low-to-moderate income individuals and families, to those experiencing homelessness. That is why my administration is making housing our top priority, and committing to a comprehensive housing agenda.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Hawaii legislature
Jan 23, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023