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| Justin Harris |
Streamlining state government begins with increasing transparency, which is why on Tuesday the House voted 87 to 6 in favor of SB221, the Arkansas Financial Transparency Act. When signed into law, the bill will establish an online database to track state spending. You deserve to know how your tax dollars are being spent and I am proud to have voted in favor of giving you access to the state checkbook.
"Lignite" is the new buzzword this session, as lawmakers and elected officials discuss avenues to spur job creation in the state. Midweek, we passed a House Resolution to support a study of lignite mining and the funding of lignite research. Lignite is a type of brown coal that is abundant in South Arkansas. We have the potential to create much-needed jobs and growth.
Unfortunately for the Arkansas House, on Wednesday, Democrat members on the Senate Public Health Committee blocked Senate Bill 709, the Healthcare Reform Accountability Act, from reaching the Senate floor and House chamber. The measure would require state agencies to report the financial impact of Obama Care to the Legislature upon implementation. I believe this bill would have protected the integrity of our citizens who deserve to know how the federal healthcare law will be implemented in our state.
Arkansas lawmakers in the House and Senate approved a measure that would ask voters to raise the tax on diesel to increase funding for our state's road system. HB1902 proposes a 5-cent diesel tax increase to improve state highways. This proposal is part of a plan that includes a bill for voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase for highways. I voted NO on the measure because of rising fuel costs already, we can't afford higher prices at the grocery store and at the pump. This was a campaign promise I kept.
Speaking of tax increases, a potential increase in the severance tax on natural gas is fueling debate among lawmakers and industry executives. From a potential citizen-led initiative to increase the severance tax on natural gas to a flat 7 percent to various pieces of tax and regulatory legislation affecting the industry, officials are growing concerned that such proposals may negatively impact the economic benefits of the natural gas industry. As a result, on Thursday House and Senate members announced the formation of the Fayetteville Shale Play Caucus, which aims to protect natural gas exploration in the state.
I believe we need broad-based, long-term tax reform that puts Arkansas at a competitive advantage with surrounding states. To address this, a shell bill adjusting personal income tax brackets in Arkansas was recently filed by Rep. Davy Carter of Cabot. Currently, an individual making approximately $32,700 is classified in the highest income tax bracket. As a result, Arkansans are forking over disposable income to the state rather than investing in their families.
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, financial transparency, online database, track state spending, Healthcare Reform, Accountability Act, democracts, blocking bills, tax increase, diesel tax, severance tax, natural gas, income tax To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!
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