FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2001
Contact: Rep. Galen Fox
Tel.: 586-8520




GOP Presence Brings Reform



The State House Republican Caucus has released the following statement:


The House Republican agenda of government reform took its final shape in the last days of the session when bills allowing privatization and supporting spending controls were passed.


The increase in Republican House numbers to 19 forced majority Democrats to pass privatization legislation that has gone nowhere for three years. Additionally, the proposal to reform the costly employee health plan shows Democrats finally agree that government is spending too much and that spending cannot continue unchecked.


"Our presence and sheer numbers made this session," said Rep. Joe Gomes (R-Waimanalo, Kailua). "We pushed for reducing the size of government, for tax cuts, for reductions in spending. Because of our numbers we could recall bills out of committee and stop legislation that required a 2/3 majority. Democrats found it harder to say one thing and do another. That's the reason we have a privatization bill and the health fund bill."

While Republicans differed on the most effective way to control the rising cost of health plans, they pushed for government reform throughout the session.


"The GOP votes shows our party's openness and our members' own independence," said Charles K. Djou (R-Kaneohe, Kahaluu). "We are happy the Democrats are finally willing to discuss reform and we welcome their help in changing Hawaii's government."


In looking at the next session, House Republican Leader Galen Fox said, "If the Democrats say they are done with government reform with the passing of these bills, they are mistaken. We have paid teachers more, but still need education reform. We have put all our employees under one health plan, but still need health reform."

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