Arkansas House Commentary - Mar 19, 2011: AR Legislature - 3 Weeks Left Before Recess

Justin Harris

By Rep. Justin Harris: House and Senate members came together, announcing a deal to cut $35 million in taxes for Arkansans. I am excited to let you know, that being on the Revenue and Tax Committee, I was part of the deal making. I am proud to say I have kept my campaign promise and cut taxes and spending. Could we do more? You bet, but this is a start, having new Conservative Freshman has made a huge difference.

Earmarks didn't stand a chance in the Arkansas House when members kicked off an eventful week, voting to reject appropriation bills that would have funded local pet projects for lawmakers. Rather than continuing an irresponsible state earmark practice, we opted to use this money from the General Improvement Fund to enhance the state overall.

A bill to increase the severance tax on the natural gas industry was withdrawn this week after facing a swarm of opposition from concerned citizens and legislators. The tax increase would have killed jobs and crippled one of Arkansas' most valuable industries.

In an effort to reduce escalating prison costs and curb inmate overpopulation, on Wednesday the House passed a measure to initiate positive reform in our state prison system. Our work as lawmakers to improve our state prison system is far from over. I personally want to thank Sheriff Tim Helder for working hard at the Capitol and making it a better bill.

Unfortunately for Arkansans, midweek Democrat Senators on the Revenue and Tax Committee voted to block House Bill 1002, the Capital Gains Reduction Act, from reaching the full Senate floor for consideration. The bill, which passed the House with bi-partisan support, would have exempted new investments made in Arkansas after July 1, 2011 from the 4.9 percent capital gains tax.

After mounting pressure from conservative lawmakers to hold the line on state spending and provide tax relief to Arkansans, six tax cuts totaling $35 million were agreed upon Thursday by both chambers and the Governor. The variety of tax cuts include, a back to school sales tax holiday, single parent tax cut, an increased tax credit for ecotourism, tax cuts on used cars and manufacturers' utilities, and a half-cent reduction in the grocery tax. By reducing the $109 million spending increase in Governor Beebe's proposed 2012 budget, House and Senate members were able to decrease revenue flowing into state coffers to cut taxes and protect the pocketbooks of Arkansans.

Beginning July 2012, Arkansans will be given an "online checkbook" to track state spending and monitor how your tax dollars are being spent. The measure, advocated by Lt. Governor Mark Darr, was signed into law Thursday.

With only three weeks left before the House is scheduled to recess, I will continue to work tirelessly to represent your views and values for a better, more competitive Arkansas. My top priories have always been to responsibly cut taxes for all Arkansans, create jobs, protect Arkansas families and move our state forward.

As your Representative, I am honored to serve you in the Arkansas House of Representatives

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