Issue Position: Tax Reform and Fiscal Responsibility

Issue Position

I believe that the people of Arkansas deserve to have their tax dollars managed by trustworthy, capable and fiscally responsible elected officials. A viable two-party system is vital so we can have the checks and balances necessary to ensure fiscal integrity in our state and federal government. By electing qualified and trustworthy candidates to office at every level of government, we can ensure effective and responsible management of our resources. I believe, especially now, candidates must be guided by doing what is inherently right. If we can't afford steak for dinner, we have mac and cheese! We can't keep spending and taxing and spending and taxing.

1. I am opposed to income tax increases, because they penalize creative economic activity.

2. I believe the current capital gains tax provisions have a dramatically negative effect on the number and volume of capital transactions and thus reduce economic growth. In Arkansas, wealthy individuals and businesses have relocated to Texas to escape the tremendous tax burden. This drains our state of jobs, of creative entrepreneurs and creative talent to encourage prosperity and economic growth.

3. I am opposed to all unfunded federal and state mandates, because they cause severe financial distress for state and local governments. I support reform of the state tax code to make the passage of all taxes consistent with regard to the percentage of votes required, preferably 75%.

4. I support federal and state tax codes that promote rather than penalize marriage and the family.
5. I support abolishing the remaining sales taxes on food, maintaining the $350 property tax rebate for households, and continuing the homestead assessment cap for homeowners 65 and older. We believe sales taxes on food and drugs are an unfair burden on Arkansas families and should be eliminated. It should be recognized that these tax breaks would be helpful to all families.

6. I support the permanent repeal of death taxes at both the Federal and State level which are double taxation applied against assets remaining after income taxes have originally been paid. Death taxes reduce the ability of families to be self-sufficient, and they encourage wealthy retirees to settle in states that have no death taxes. They are destructive of family farms and family-owned businesses.

7. I oppose tax increases and unwarranted and unnecessary fee increases.

8. I support legislation that will permanently dedicate all General Improvement Funds to critical state-wide needs such as Arkansas prisons, water resource development, highways, higher education and other genuine critical needs, thus eliminating most pork barrel projects from state funding.

9. I support the increase in the exemption on retirement income from the state income tax.

Congress should promote and encourage the creation of jobs, a favorable economic climate for business, both small and large, and a viable partnership between government and the private sector which permits the effective transfer of technology and expertise for the general good.

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