15 million families have already benefited from this legislation. Republicans repeatedly opposed passage and expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act. When they passed an increase in the minimum wage, over 6 million women benefited from this pay raise. Republicans steadfastly opposed an increase in the minimum wage. In 1997, the Small Business Administration granted more than 10,000 loans to women, triple the number of loans granted to women in 1992.
Republicans complain that Hawaii's economy is flat.
Democrats enacted the Small Business Regulatory Relief Act to ensure that small businesses aren't overly burdened by unnecessary government regulations. Democrats are attracting large high technology companies to Hawaii, such as Uniden and Square USA, that contribute financially to the local economy. These companies also hire local talent and assist in developing educational training programs at the University of Hawaii. Democrats provided an income tax exemption to motion picture and television products made in Hawaii. Democrats set deadlines for government permitting approvals, and consolidated application review of development projects.