This is historic. Our bill I wrote to wipe out local families’ medical debt was just signed into law! SB3025 begins the process of cancelling the medical debt of our local families, beginning with 50,000 Hawaii resident, wiping out $91 million of debt. People don’t choose medical debt. Families with even the best insurance can face bankruptcy when cancer or another medical emergency can suddenly mean huge bills they never expected, forcing many to choose between paying for healthcare, or keeping a roof over their heads.

By purchasing debt from creditors and collections agencies in bulk, we can cancel it for less than a penny on the dollar. This will give local families who need help a clean slate and fresh start. It will help reduce the burden on taxpayers and save money by wiping financial slates clean so families can access healthcare more easily, receive regular healthcare again without the barriers unpaid debt creates, and not end up in the ER at taxpayers’ expense.