Hutchinson pitches tax cut plan, vows more coming later
LITTLE ROCK—Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson urged lawmakers on Tuesday to approve his $50 million plan to reduce rates for low-income residents and promised to push for bigger changes later to the state's tax code, an effort to appease fellow Republicans who are seeking even deeper cuts.
Hutchinson touted his plan to cut income taxes for those making less than $21,000 a year but acknowledged concerns from GOP lawmakers who want larger tax cuts that will take effect sooner. Hutchinson has also asked lawmakers to approve a $13 million tax break for military veterans.
"I know that some of you say this is not enough and that we need to have a more comprehensive tax reform package. I agree with you," Hutchinson told a joint session of the House and Senate a day after lawmakers began the 2017 session. "We need a specific plan for the future so that the public knows the direction we are heading and how we can get there."
Hutchinson said he'll also propose a legislative task force that will come up with recommendations before the 2019 session on ways to further reduce income taxes in the state. Hutchinson was elected in 2014 on a vow to slash income tax rates, and lawmakers approved a $102 million reduction the governor championed two years ago.
Read more: http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/arkansas/story/2017/jan/11/hutchinson-pitches-tax-cut-plan-vows-more-coming-later/656806/