Paid Family Leave
Jackson presenting Paid Family Leave legislation as part of the Keiki Caucus.
Supporting Caregivers and Working Families
With multi-generational households becoming a norm, many workers have to play several roles to support their family: 1) kupuna caregiver, 2) breadwinner, and 3) parent. To support these multi-faceted households, Jackson believes a statewide Paid Family Leave Program is integral to helping working families balance work with family.
As Chairman of the House Labor Committee, Jackson brought stakeholders that historically opposed Paid Family Leave together and negotiated a draft legislation with broad approval. Jackson will continue to build off of this work and work toward passing a comprehensive and effective Paid Family Leave Program for Hawaii’s working families.
Affordable Housing
Jackson touring the newly built student housing project for UH Manoa.
Redeveloping Underutilized State Property
From renters to first-time homeowners, the cost of housing continues to be a serious concern for Hawaii residents.
In our district, another factor that consumes residential housing is UH student renters. To relieve the housing demand from UH students, Jackson will work with UH Manoa to redevelop underutilized property on campus for build additional student housing.
One such underutilized UH property is the decommissioned Hale Noelani tucked behind the Hale Aloha towers. After being decommissioned for 10 years, these 550 units are ready to be redeveloped for student housing. In addition to UH Manoa, the State holds other properties, which can be developed for affordable housing, mixed-use, and commercial projects.
Workforce Development
Jackson sign waving with students from Jarrett Middle School to promote after school programs.
Growing the Next Generation of Local Workers
As the State continues its efforts to build housing, it must also ensure local graduates can connect with good paying, local jobs. Hawaii faces a work force shortage in every industry, but especially in healthcare and education. As Chairman of the House Labor Committee, Jackson passed bills to expand the Hele Imua State Internship program, invest in a new nursing degree program at UH Maui, and incentivize apprenticeship programs. In the Senate, Jackson will build on his work in the House and work with businesses, schools, and students to fill Hawaii’s labor shortage with the next generation of local graduates.