Hawaii Senate Approves $24 Billion Biennium State Budget

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The Senate on Thursday passed a $24 billion version of the biennium state budget.

Senators put money back in for vacant positions, preschool and IT initiatives that House reps cut out last month.

A conference committee comprised of members from both chambers will work to reach a compromise on the differences between the two versions before session ends May 2.

The House’s two-year state budget stands at $23.3 billion. The governor had proposed a biennium budget of $23.9 billion. The Senate Minority Alternative Budget put forward Wednesday is $22.15 billion.

The Senate version is higher because it inserts DHHL trust funds not included in the executive or House budget.

None of the versions include pay raises that some public employee unions have reached in recent agreements. 

Track the budget bill, House Bill 200, by clicking here.

— Nathan Eagle

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