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| Justin Harris |
The full House kicked off an eventful week by passing House Bill 1323, which is designed to protect “cottage food operations,” such as individuals who sell homemade jams or farmers who sell fresh produce at farmers’ markets. The bill exempts cottage food operations from permits required by the Arkansas Department of Health. House Bill 1323 passed the Arkansas Senate Thursday and is now headed to the Governor’s Office to be signed into law. Less government regulation on state farmers and food producers promotes economic growth and I am proud to have voted yes on this bill!
Despite public opposition from Governor Mike Beebe who labeled Republican attempts to cut your taxes “voodoo economics,” the full House on Wednesday approved three bills aiming to lower taxes for Arkansas families, attract business capital and create much-needed jobs.
While the Governor argues the state can’t afford any tax cuts beyond a grocery tax he is advocating, I believe Governor Beebe’s proposed 2.5 percent increase in state government spending, or nearly $110 million, should be utilized for tax cuts. These cuts will provide economic relief to working Arkansans and create a more business-friendly environment in our state. Instead of increasing state spending levels, the projected growth money in the 2012 Fiscal Year budget should be applied to tax cuts for Arkansas families.
After lengthy debate and discussion, the conservative majority in the House passed the following three tax cut measures:
- House Bill 1052 by Rep. Lane Jean (R-Magnolia), to decrease the state sales tax on natural gas and electricity used by manufacturers.
- House Bill 1002 by Rep. Ed Garner (R-Maumelle), to create the Arkansas Capital Gains Reduction Act of 2011 which exempts new investments made in Arkansas after July 1, 2011 from the 4.9% Capital Gains Tax.
- House Bill 1056 by Rep. Uvalde Lindsey (D-Fayetteville), to provide income tax relief to head of household taxpayers with two or more dependents.
The Arkansas Senate will consider a bill next week to provide used car tax relief to Arkansas families. It would raise the current threshold from $2500 to $5000, meaning that consumers would not have to pay sales taxes on a used vehicle if it cost less than $5000. I fully intend to support this measure as it reaches the House floor.
As your Representative, I am honored to serve you in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
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Justin Harris is Arkansas State Representative (R-District 87). Although he directly represents Crawford and Southern Washington Counties, he also represents all Arkansans with his public stands for limited, transparent and responsible government. He is both a fiscal and social conservative and is the owner of Growing God's Kingdom preschool in West Fork, Arkansas.
Tags: Justin Harris, Arkansas, legislature, State Representative, Arkansas House, farmers’ markets, taxes, capital gains, income tax, used car tax, sex offenders To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!
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