I had the chance to get interviewed for the lead article in the Grand Rapids Press this morning. While I enjoyed the article, I was disappointed with how it, and the media in general, have explained Mike’s history on taxes. Most of that story has been told, in an almost slanderous fashion, by Mike’s opponents’ television advertisements.
Are you concerned that Mike may not be a true fiscal conservative? Put your mind at ease. Here are the simple facts behind the allegations.
It’s true that taxes were raised slightly overall during Mike’s 10 years as Arkansas Governor. However, we should first remember that tax bills are primarily controlled by the legislature, which in Arkansas was over 80% Democrats. Mike had a choice – stand his ground on party platform and veto every single appropriations bill (and then watch the legislature override his veto) – thereby causing complete partisan gridlock in Little Rock – or pick his battles and prevent the legislature from running amok with taxes. He chose right.
Despite being paired up with an almost entirely-Democratic legislature, Mike was able to craft, sponsor and ultimately get support for, the first major tax break in Arkansas’ history. He was able to help cut taxes nearly 100 times. If the allegations are true, why would he work so hard, facing an incredible uphill battle, to successfully cut taxes over 100 times? And why would he now be suggesting the most radically conservative tax measure – eliminating the income tax? Because he’s deeply committed to keeping taxes lower. It’s as simple as that.
One of the largest tax increases in Arkansas- for public roads -was put to a statewide referendum. In other words, the entire state got to vote on it, and the voters passed it. Should Mike be blamed for this (particularly since the poor roads were impeding interstate commerce vital to the state’s economy)? Another large tax increase – this time for education – was mandated by the state Supreme Court.
Finally, as conservatives, most of us consider ourselves 10th Amendment Republicans – meaning that we favor a smaller federal government and stronger state and local governments. Should we really be concerned if Huckabee, a fellow 10th Amendment Republican, reduced Arkansas’ reliance on the bureaucracy in DC by strengthening (and slightly growing) that state’s government? I think not.
So the stories behind the tax increases aren’t nearly as simple as what his critics are saying, and since Time Magazine voted him one of the 5 best Governors of 2005, he couldn’t have been too bad. In fact, under Mike’s leadership, Arkansas grew jobs, improved their economy, balanced their budget, and insured 70,000+ uninsured children. His record is one of our country’s best.
If you have friends concerned about Mike’s fiscal conservatism, send them over to GrandRapids4Huckabee.com
