Jan Morgan used politics and barbecue served at Big Jake's Bar-B-Q Thursday to help explain her goal of defeating incumbent Gov. Asa Hutchinson so she can become governor of Arkansas.
Morgan outlined her ideas to improve the state at a meet and greet sponsored by Little River County Patriots.
She said she is a constitutional conservative and that Hutchinson acts like a Democrat instead of a Republican.
Morgan accused Hutchinson of being too liberal and said he is obligated to favor corporate interests instead of being responsive to people.
In campaign material, she used the catch phrase "Stand With Jan" to introduce her policy platform.
An outline of her policy platform follows:
Jobs
Government does not create jobs. People create businesses, and businesses create jobs. Arkansas' small businesses are the economic engine of our state, not government. We should not pick winners and losers through corporate welfare programs that economists have shown do not produce the economic growth and jobs that they promise. Instead of giving away taxpayer money to foreign or new companies to come here and compete with current Arkansas businesses, let's provide tax and regulatory relief to our existing businesses. Let's have a free market decide which businesses rise and fall based on their merit, not by their political influence with the political establishment of the times.
Taxes
Arkansas continues to be one of the highest taxed states in the region. Arkansas has the highest rate for individual income tax in the region, and we have the third-highest combined rates of state and local sales taxes in the entire country. We cannot continue to kick the can down the road with small, incremental cuts, no matter how "historic" they may be. We need bold, large-scale tax reform that addresses lowering tax rates, making government more efficient, and shrinking the size and scope of government with less government spending.
Government Spending
Arkansas spends more per capita than the large liberal states of Illinois, California, or New York and is the 13th highest in the country. The more money that government spends, the less money the people have of their own to spur economic growth. Under Gov. Hutchinson, spending increases of almost $500 million have passed in the last three fiscal years. Arkansas state government employs 119 persons per 10,000 residents, ranking 11th highest nationally. Texas and Tennessee employ just 65 persons per 10,000 residents.
Because of the structure of the Arkansas Revenue Stabilization Act (RSA), Arkansas government will not spend more revenue than comes in. Therefore, by law, we have a balanced budget. This is not a choice. However, the RSA also ensures that we spend everything that comes in. We can only address government spending by cutting taxes so that the government does not have the money to spend. A reduction in the revenues, by definition, will force government to prioritize its spending habits.
Therefore, in order to reduce the size and scope of government, we should implement a tax-expenditure limit, putting a cap on the growth of state government spending from year to year. This cap should be tied to inflation plus population growth.
Second Amendment
A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a Free State, the Right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. (U.S. Bill of Rights)
The citizens of this State shall have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense. (Arkansas State Constitution, Article 2, Section 5)
Pro-Life
I am Pro-Life. We must continue working to protect the unborn and ensure that groups like Planned Parenthood do not receive taxpayer money.
Education
Every education decision we make should be made with the students and parents first in our minds. Arkansas' children deserve world-class educations, regardless of their ZIP code. We should continue supporting our public schools as well as School Choice options. We should be open to every type of educational system available including homeschooling, distance learning, public school, private school, or charter school.
Sanctuary Cities
I oppose Sanctuary Cities. Gov. Asa Hutchinson opposed efforts to restrict sanctuary campuses during this last legislative session. Sanctuary cities are a real issue, and it is necessary to address them. We should consider pulling state funding for sanctuary cities who refuse to uphold the rule of law.
Healthcare
Healthcare is not a right; it is a service. As a compassionate society, we will aid those truly in need; however, a government takeover of healthcare is detrimental to the entire healthcare system. We need to re-focus our efforts and focus on the cost of healthcare. Having health insurance one cannot afford is counter-productive. People's premiums continue to skyrocket, and we must address this issue.
Veterans
We should support and honor our veterans and their families. They should not be used as a means to promote and pass other legislation unrelated to their needs.