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Hawaii: Where legislators stand on issues
from Honolulu Advertiser
14.1.2002
The Advertiser polled all 76 state
lawmakers to learn their positions on a variety of issues, from taxes and
gambling to fluoridation. This survey is intended as a "snapshot" of
legislators' views as they begin the session. It offers clues about the
directions your senators and representatives may be headed while there is
still time to do something about it.
A number of legislators pointed out that
they were stating very general positions on complex issues without hearing
testimony on each subject. They said their views may shift if they hear
compelling new arguments. Nineteen of the House's 51 seats are held by
Republicans, and three seats in the 25-member Senate are held by
Republicans. The Legislature will, open its 50-day session on Wednesday, and
is scheduled to adjourn May 2.
Health
5. Would you authorise the state insurance
commissioner to change health insurers' rates if the commissioner finds
rates are "excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory?"
6. Would you require health plans to
disclose their costs when seeking to increase rates?
7. Should a statewide "purchasing pool" be
created to negotiate discounts in prescription drug purchases for people
without drug coverage?
8. Should there be state price controls on
prescription drugs?
9. Should the state require fluoridated
drinking water?
NO: 46 - YES: 3 - "NO
RESPONSE": 27
(Note: correction. This
originally was published as NO: 46% - YES: 3% - "NO RESPONSE": 27%).
How the survey was conducted
In November, The Advertiser gave
legislators a one-page questionnaire asking them to indicate whether they
support or oppose 20 proposals. Those who missed the December 3 deadline to
return the survey were contacted and given additional opportunities to
respond. Of the 76 legislators, all but three senators and five House
members answered-at least some of the questions. Many lawmakers submitted
written statements elaborating on their answers, and some refused to answer
questions because they said their views on those issues couldn't be
addressed with simple "support or oppose" answers. Others said they need to
hear public testimony and review the specifics of each proposal before they
can take a public position.
Honolulu Advertiser Survey
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