Once more: It's time to drop the Arkansas grocery tax

Baxter Bulletin Editorial 1/15/06: It's safe to say people in the Twin Lakes Area believe Arkansas' state sales tax on groceries should go the way of the dinosaur, the dodo and disco. As we've said time and again, the grocery tax is regressive, oppressive and offensive even though the Legislature's seen it as a key element in providing state revenue. Now, however, with an $843 million revenue surplus the time is right to give Arkansans — all Arkansans — a break and get rid of the grocery tax. It's what the people want. It's what Gov. Mike Beebe wants.

But it's not what House Speaker Benny Petrus, D-Stuttgart, and Senate President Pro Tempore Jack Critcher, D-Batesville, want. They plan to fight the governor — and the people — on the grocery tax issue. The two legislative leaders recommend other means of providing tax relief. Mr. Petrus recommends a state income tax break. Mr. Critcher thinks eliminating the sales tax on used cars, and maybe property tax relief, would be better. If you buy a used car, it probably would. But not all Arkansans buy used cars, or even drive for that matter, so it wouldn't be that much relief. Besides, how often do people buy used cars?

However, all Arkansans do eat, and every family in the state buys groceries regularly, which means dropping the grocery tax would provide a greater benefit for more people. Granted, everybody's looking for a piece of the surplus pie, and there are other financial needs in the state, such as schools and highways. But for years Arkansans have pleaded for tax relief, and legislators have said they'd do something someday.

Well, someday is here. There won't be a more opportune time to finally rid Arkansas of the state grocery tax. For a change, the Legislature could do something the people want that really does help them instead of adding taxes or creating breaks only for some. The 86th General Assembly is just getting under way, but people need to keep reminding their lawmakers of how they feel and what they want. ...

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Contact your lawmakers and let them know your opinions. Visit the Arkansas 86th General Assemby Legislators and Committees