02-03-2018, 06:19 AM
Latest Ruggles newsletter (she is against GET increase)
Special Announcements from the Office of Jen Ruggles
I. Got Little Fire Ants?
Join us for this free and public talk story on Fire Ant control methods with experts in the field. Bring your questions and something to take notes. If you are unsure if you have Fire Ants, bring in an ant, and we'll be happy to identify it for you.
Topics of discussion will include effective treatment methods, community programs, the status of fire ants at the County green waste facilities, and fire ant issues specific to attendees. A presentation will be provided by Hawaii Ant Lab, Big Island Invasive Species Council, and Little Fire Ant Hui followed by a questions and answer session. Light refreshments will be provided. Join our Facebook Event here.
Date: February 13th
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Location: Kea'au Community Center (16-186 Pili Mua St., Kea'au 96749)
II. Farmers Markets- Bill 100
Farmers markets are critical in supporting Hawaii's local farmers, health, local economy, and sustainability. Next week I will introduce a bill that will give the community the option of having a farmers market at the new Pahoa District Park. The market must be run by an interested non-profit via an agreement with our Parks and Recreations Department, where all the details, (days, times, number of vendors, etc.) will be negotiated. I am more then happy to help facilitate in this process for any interested non-profits. In the meanwhile, if you support this effort, please come and testify to help convince other the council members to vote in our favor:
When: Tuesday, February 6th.
Time: 9am
Where: Pahoa or Hilo Council Chambers. (Pahoa: 15-2879 Pahoa. Village Road, Hilo: 25 Aupuni St.)
III. Proposed General Excise Tax Increase
Mayor Harry Kim has proposed yet another tax increase - to increase the General Excise Tax (GET) by one-half percent. The current GET is 4%, and Mayor Kim's proposal will increase it to 4.5%. The GET is a tax on all businesses for services, goods, and rents, (including food and medicine) and are passed to the consumer. Considering that the GET is one of the most regressive taxes that hurts those who can least afford it the most, and that our district of Puna is the poorest in the State as your representative I will advocate and vote AGAINST the increase.
It is my position that we have a should tax those who can afford it the most, hotels and resorts, billion dollar corporations, and high valued 2nd homes, and leave the working class alone. Being the only council member to vote against the fuel tax and minimum tax increases, you can count on me to vote against the GET tax increase. Please come and share your position on the increase at Bill 102's first hearing:
When: Tuesday, February 6th
Time: 10am
Where: Pahoa or Hilo Council Chambers. (Pahoa: 15-2879 Pahoa. Village Road, Hilo: 25 Aupuni St.)
https://mailchi.mp/hawaiicounty/farmers-...62a5fc2d6d
Special Announcements from the Office of Jen Ruggles
I. Got Little Fire Ants?
Join us for this free and public talk story on Fire Ant control methods with experts in the field. Bring your questions and something to take notes. If you are unsure if you have Fire Ants, bring in an ant, and we'll be happy to identify it for you.
Topics of discussion will include effective treatment methods, community programs, the status of fire ants at the County green waste facilities, and fire ant issues specific to attendees. A presentation will be provided by Hawaii Ant Lab, Big Island Invasive Species Council, and Little Fire Ant Hui followed by a questions and answer session. Light refreshments will be provided. Join our Facebook Event here.
Date: February 13th
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Location: Kea'au Community Center (16-186 Pili Mua St., Kea'au 96749)
II. Farmers Markets- Bill 100
Farmers markets are critical in supporting Hawaii's local farmers, health, local economy, and sustainability. Next week I will introduce a bill that will give the community the option of having a farmers market at the new Pahoa District Park. The market must be run by an interested non-profit via an agreement with our Parks and Recreations Department, where all the details, (days, times, number of vendors, etc.) will be negotiated. I am more then happy to help facilitate in this process for any interested non-profits. In the meanwhile, if you support this effort, please come and testify to help convince other the council members to vote in our favor:
When: Tuesday, February 6th.
Time: 9am
Where: Pahoa or Hilo Council Chambers. (Pahoa: 15-2879 Pahoa. Village Road, Hilo: 25 Aupuni St.)
III. Proposed General Excise Tax Increase
Mayor Harry Kim has proposed yet another tax increase - to increase the General Excise Tax (GET) by one-half percent. The current GET is 4%, and Mayor Kim's proposal will increase it to 4.5%. The GET is a tax on all businesses for services, goods, and rents, (including food and medicine) and are passed to the consumer. Considering that the GET is one of the most regressive taxes that hurts those who can least afford it the most, and that our district of Puna is the poorest in the State as your representative I will advocate and vote AGAINST the increase.
It is my position that we have a should tax those who can afford it the most, hotels and resorts, billion dollar corporations, and high valued 2nd homes, and leave the working class alone. Being the only council member to vote against the fuel tax and minimum tax increases, you can count on me to vote against the GET tax increase. Please come and share your position on the increase at Bill 102's first hearing:
When: Tuesday, February 6th
Time: 10am
Where: Pahoa or Hilo Council Chambers. (Pahoa: 15-2879 Pahoa. Village Road, Hilo: 25 Aupuni St.)
https://mailchi.mp/hawaiicounty/farmers-...62a5fc2d6d