Et Tu, Republicans? No Meaningful Tax Cuts For Arkansans

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For many weeks, the people of Arkansas have been led to believe that once the legislature passed Medicaid expansion, it would then produce significant tax relief. We have documented these assurances in our previous coverage -- and repeatedly emphasized that the cuts were in no way linked to Medicaid expansion as a matter of policy, but perhaps only as a matter of politics. Boy, were we right. As you probably know, the Senate signed off on funding for Medicaid expansion yesterday, signaling … [Read more...]

Stephen Speaks!

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Those thinkers over at the Advance Arkansas Institute made good on their promise yesterday to bring Steve Moore to Little Rock for a speech. And might I just add: it was quite a barn burner. I’ve provided a video excerpt of Mr. Moore’s comments below. The clip begins with Moore emphatically telling the audience of approximately 100 -- which included a large number of state legislators of both parties -- about the importance of reforming the tax code in Arkansas. “If you just stand … [Read more...]

Advancing Arkansas: Rep. Lea Focused on Teamwork, New Tax Holiday

Part Two of our Advancing Arkansas series is an interview with Rep. Andrea Lea (R-Russellville). Rep. Lea, who is entering her final term as a state representative having already served four years in the House, said her goals for this term/upcoming legislative session are simple: help incoming freshmen legislators “learn the ropes” and be a team player. “Teamwork is a priority for me. It is just as important to make educated votes as it is to introduce/pass bills. It takes all of us to … [Read more...]

How Arkansas Can Avoid “Flushing People Down the Commode”

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Thanks to all of you who tuned in for our live election night coverage. I have updated that post to now show that Republicans captured 21 of 35 seats in the Arkansas Senate and it appears that they will capture a very, very narrow majority in the House. There is a recount next week in the John Hutchison-LJ Bryant race that will determine the balance of power on the House side. But enough about politics! What type of policy changes are we likely to see in the upcoming legislative session now … [Read more...]

Arkansas Needs Higher Taxes!

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After 200 years of ranking at the bottom of the 50 states for poverty, we have finally identified what ails us in Arkansas: our taxes are too low! If you don’t believe me, take our Lieutenant Governor’s word for it: in a statement released by his office yesterday, Lt. Gov. Mark Darr said “Today I am announcing my support of Ballot Issue #1 concerning Arkansas Highways. No one hates taxes more than me; however, one of the primary functions of government is to build roads and … [Read more...]

We’re #7–And It’s A Good Thing This Time!

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Arkansas is often mocked for its “high” rankings amongst the states--2nd highest barriers into industry, 5th most burdensome licensing requirements, 6th highest state and local sales tax rates, 7th in government job growth, 5th worst in education, 3rd fewest doctors, #8 for sales tax collections per capita, etc.  We even made #6 for online porn sales and #4 for teen pregnancies!  Way to go!  But Arkansas has finally made the top ten for a great reason--charitable giving. According to a … [Read more...]

Taxmageddon Threatens Average Arkansans, Not Just “The Rich”

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I spent yesterday morning at the Department of Finance paying $500 in sales tax on my new (used) vehicle and registration fees.  So yes, let’s talk about tax policy! We don’t spend a lot of time focusing on federal tax policy here at The Arkansas Project--our focus is mainly state and local issues.  However, our friends at the Tax Foundation have released some new figures about how the extension of the so-called “Bush tax cuts” will affect people in the 50 states (figures shown in … [Read more...]

John Brummett Is Not Ignorant

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John Brummett is not ignorant--he just knows so much that isn’t so.  Perhaps this has never been more evident than at a debate I attended yesterday in Fayetteville between himself and State Representative Charlie Collins about our state’s tax policy. Today, one day after the debate, Brummett has set fire to the blogosphere, demonstrating his ability to play fast and loose with facts by publishing this dazzling analysis of the debate that reads more like a red carpet review, with a tinge … [Read more...]