With a state budget surplus of about $2 billion, Gov. Josh Green and the Hawaii Legislature have an opportunity to help Hawaii residents struggling to make ends meet.

Tax relief and truly affordable housing are needed now, as the state experiences a steady decline in population due to our excessive cost of living.

So, will lawmakers keep their campaign promises and enact meaningful change?

Find out at “A deep dive into the governor’s tax-cut proposal,” a Grassroot Institute of Hawaii luncheon scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Admission is $10 and includes lunch and parking.

This is your chance to get the lowdown on the governor’s budget and tax proposals, and what might be done with the state’s record budget surplus.

Seth Colby, tax research and planning officer for the Hawaii Department of Taxation, and Joe Pluta, president of the West Maui Taxpayers Association, will discuss some of the tax proposals introduced at the Legislature, the outlook for the state budget and where Hawaii is at in paying off its debt and unfunded liabilities.

Joe Kent, former Lahaina teacher and current Grassroot Institute executive vice president, will moderate. The discussion will welcome questions from the audience.

Seating is limited, so register early at https://www.grassrootinstitute.org (click on Events). For more information, contact Sean Mitsui at (808) 864-1776 or info@grassrootinstitute.org.