EWA

Ewa attendees opted to discuss: (1) cost of living; (2) crime/public safety/homelessness; and (3) government reform. Participants believed that improving wages and job opportunities or lowering energy/utility costs would most help to lower the cost of living. Respondents noted that eating out is the first non-essential expense to go when cutting costs. Responses reflect that attendees are most challenges to make ends meet regarding housing (4/5), utilities (4/5), and food/groceries (3.9/5). The biggest challenge for participants relating to housing costs was mortgage/rent payments. Regarding public safety, most participants were concerned about homelessness and violent crime. Sixty percent of participants believe tougher penalties for repeat offenders should be the top priority to improve public safety. Two thirds of participants believe that the State Government should take the lead in addressing homelessness over the county, nonprofits, or private sectors. Participants rated their trust in state government at 3.3 out of 10. Term limits were the primary government reform priority, followed by reducing the power of legislative committee chairs. Merely thirty-nine percent of participants feel adequately informed on how legislators vote, the legislative process, and how to get involved.