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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

The Committee on Government Affairs is responsible for providing the Filipino Chamber with legislative data and analysis of local and congressional bills affecting businesses.

As part of its annual agenda, the Government Affairs Committee organizes a Legislative Breakfast, which was initiated in 1994 during the presidency of Buddy Gendrano.  At the Legislative Breakfast, the Filipino Chamber presents its legislative package to the state legislators and engages with the legislators as to their plans to help the business community, in particular small businesses and Filipino entrepreneurs. 

In the past, the Filipino Chamber has taken positions on issues such as  the reduction of the pyramiding of the general excise tax;  the reduction of corporate income and franchise taxes;  the elimination of the general excise tax on earnings by Hawaii businesses who do business overseas;  no-fault reform;  managed competition between the public and private sectors for the delivery of services;  the elimination of duplication of government services between the state and the city/counties, to name a few.

During the 2007 state legislative session, the Filipino Chamber supported the classification of social service providers as independent contractors and brought the issue to the forefront at the Legislative Breakfast.  The senate and the house leaders introduced bills to correct this issue, the bill passed and became law, thanks to the collaborative efforts of many individuals and organizations. 

Recognizing that it takes many parties to craft and pass legislation, the Filipino Chamber often supports the initiatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and often seeks support from other Filipino community organizations, where appropriate.

The Government Affairs Committee is already planning for the 2010 Legislative session.  To assist the Government Affairs Committee, please provide Chairperson, Jamesner Dumlao with your recommendations.

For more information, feel free to contact the members of the Government Affairs Committee:

Jamesner Dumlao, Chairperson, at Tel. 586-9078

Vanessa Kop, Co-Chairperson, at Tel. 441-0509

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