Grocery Tax, Surplus Need Resolution

Arkansas' surplus is in the $400 million range now and could grow to more than $700 million by the end of the fiscal year at the end of June. This would be a good time to get rid of the tax on groceries. Arkansas is one of only a handful of states left that tax groceries. Most states have recognized that sales taxes are regressive, hitting the poorest the hardest because a poor person spends proportionately much more money on taxes on groceries than someone better off. [Fort Smith Times Record 10/2/06] Note: ASA Hutchinson, candidate for Governor, is for immediate removal of the grocery tax. Mike Beebe is not!