Op-Eds

  • Hawaii erred in cutting education
    Oct 23, 2009  - Our country is at a crossroads. The economy is in its worst recession in a generation. State and local tax revenues have been hit especially hard in the economic downturn. We need to make sure our important government services are sustained during our nation's economic troubles. At the same time,... More
  • Letters to the Editor
    Oct 6, 2009  - I share the community's concerns regarding the 17 teacher furlough days and the impact on families, teachers and, most important, our students. While the federal government, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provided more than $157 million to Hawaii to help address the shortfall in... More
  • Labor Heroes: Patsy Takemoto Mink
    Sep 4, 2009  - (This is a guest blog post by Rep. Mazie Hirono, HI - 2nd) Patsy Takemoto Mink is not just my Labor Hero; she is a personal hero of mine. Patsy was an inspiration to me as she was to many working people throughout the country. She came by her commitment to labor honestly. Patsy’s four grandparents ... More
  • U.S. House steps up for early education
    Jul 16, 2009  - The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday took a major step in helping our children accelerate their climb up the learning curve by introducing the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009.  At President Obama's request, this comprehensive legislation includes a wide range of effe... More
  • Early Learning Challenge Fund
    Jul 15, 2009  - Now is the time to accelerate our children’s climb up the learning curve. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives took a tremendous step in doing just that by introducing the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009. At President Obama’s request, this comprehensive legislation include... More
  • We Must Encourage Investments in Quality Early Education Opportunities
    Mar 17, 2009  - In today’s Education and Labor Committee hearing, we heard from experts in early education and child care from across the country.  The panel testified to the importance of investing in high quality early education and child care opportunities for children from birth to five.  We also saw ... More
  • Fulfilling our Obligation to our Veterans and Troops
    Nov 11, 2007  - On this Veterans Day, we honor and celebrate the more than 24 million brave veterans — including over 100,000 in Hawai‘i — who have served our country so faithfully.             I have had the privilege of participating in Veterans Day events t... More
  • Investing in Young Children Delivers Valuable Dividends
    Sep 18, 2007  - Participation in a high-quality early education program builds the foundation for a child’s success in school — and in life. Scientists and other experts assembled at the National Summit on America’s Children in May, an event organized by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), presented compelling r... More

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