We’re posting updates and analysis on Legislative and policy matters. Many of the posts will be by me, but staff and Community Interns will also be posting information and sharing their experiences navigating the Legislature.
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Senator Laura Thielen
Latest Posts
Hawaii Constitutional Convention - It's a Matter of Trust. And Hope.
In my last two posts, I explained why I’m voting “Yes” for a Constitutional Convention. To be fair, today I’m covering the reasons why some oppose a ConCon. Most opposition boils down to this: We have a great State Constitution. We risk losing some of our treasured rights. The Legislature may set up an unfair […] READ MOREShall Hawaii Hold a ConCon? The Question Comes Down to, Do You Think the Legislature Will Resolve Hawaii's Chronic Challenges?
Hawaii legislators are the only people who can create a state law. The Governor can’t; the Judiciary can’t. As you can imagine, this has led to situations where our state laws treat legislators differently from other government officials. For example, all City & County Councils, State and County Boards and Commissions and Task Forces, have […] READ MOREWe Need a Hawaii Constitutional Convention
A State Constitutional Convention is the time for citizens to discuss big ideas that create a brighter future for Hawaii. The opportunity for citizens to make sure government is working for all, not just a favored few. The onlyway citizens can require government to address chronic, difficult issues it ignores, pays lip service to, or seems […] READ MOREWhy Vote? – Because Higher Voter Turnout Leads to Politicians Who Work Harder to Represent the People in their District
Hawaii has THE lowest voter turnout in the nation. “Why vote? It’s a done deal.” That’s what so many people say. But what if you found out that not voting can cost you money? Can make your life harder? Would you be motivated to vote then? Would you be motivated to run for office then? […] READ MORE2018 Second crossover legislative Survey and how I voted
Thank you to all who have responded to our survey before the second crossover– where the House and Senate bills are exchanged back into their original chambers after being voted on in a floor vote. The following bills have all passed second crossover and are on their way to their conference committees (Or the governor’s […] READ MORE