What I wish I could have voted for

Independents and third parties

By Steve Brawner
© 2020 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

On March 20, 1854, a group of anti-slavery activists met in a one-room schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin. They formed a new political party at that meeting and called themselves Republicans.

That schoolhouse is generally considered the Republican Party’s birthplace, though that’s disputed. Momentum was building across the country. Six years later, Abraham Lincoln was elected the country’s first Republican president. Five years after that, the Civil War ended, and so did slavery.

This year I cast yet another “protest” vote in the presidential race – not really for a candidate, but against the two major parties and their policies. There were 11 other names on the ballot in Arkansas, and I chose the Libertarian even though that party does not really reflect my views. Continue reading What I wish I could have voted for →

Why the governor can propose a tax cut

State government

By Steve Brawner
© 2020 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

You know what Benjamin Franklin said about nothing in this world being certain except death and taxes? In Arkansas come legislative session time, you probably could add “tax cut proposals” to the list.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has led the Legislature in cutting income taxes this past three sessions, and he’s announced his proposals for the upcoming one. As a result of legislation passed in 2019, the income tax rate for the highest bracket will fall from 6.9% to 5.9%. He wants to reduce it further to 4.9% for new Arkansas residents for five years.

He also wants to reduce the sales tax on used vehicles from 6.5% to 3.5% for those costing between $4,000 and $10,000. There is no tax for vehicles sold for less than $4,000.

That second one seems like a fair and commonsense proposal. People paying for a vehicle that price are just trying to get a dependable ride to work or to school.

The first proposal? I don’t see it passing. Continue reading Why the governor can propose a tax cut →

How to fix the Electoral College: Make every state purple

Elections

vote, Mark Moore, 16-year-olds, Arkansas primaries, Goodson, photo IDBy Steve Brawner, © 2019 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

A presidential election has come and almost gone, and the two major party candidates have not campaigned in Arkansas or given the state much thought. President Trump is assured of winning here, so both candidates placed it in his column and forgot about it.

This is because of the Electoral College, which divides the country into red and blue states when all should be a shade of purple.

Here’s a plan to fix it.

As we’re reminded every four years, the president is elected not by the popular vote but by the Electoral College. Arkansas gets six of the 538 electors. It takes 270 to win.

Many states including Arkansas are reliably “red” (Republican), while others are “blue” (Democrat). Candidates focus on the few “purple” states that can swing either way.

Defenders say the Electoral College protects small states like Arkansas, but that’s not necessarily so. In almost all states, the winner of the popular vote wins all of its electors. Because of that system, a candidate can be elected by winning the largest 11 states narrowly and not even be on the ballot in the other 39.

Also because of this state-by-state winner-take-all system, the loser of the popular vote nationally can be elected president. This has happened in two of the last five elections: President Bush in 2000 and Trump in 2016. Continue reading How to fix the Electoral College: Make every state purple →

Last time: Here’s what those amendments would do

Elections

By Steve Brawner, © 2020 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

With so many Arkansans already voting, is it too late for a column about the three proposed constitutional amendments that were submitted by legislators? For those who haven’t voted, here’s a fair and balanced review, with a bone to pick at the end.

Issue 1 would permanently extend a half-cent sales tax for roads that’s set to expire in 2023. The tax is projected to raise $205 million annually for state highways and $87 million that would be split between cities and counties.

Supporters including business groups and Gov. Asa Hutchinson say the money is needed to repair and expand roadways. Highways traditionally have been funded through user fees such as motor fuels taxes, but those revenues are declining as vehicles become more fuel efficient. They say the tax would make highways safer and reduce the need for auto repairs. The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the need for a strong highway network.

Opponents say the Constitution is no place for a permanent tax. If we must raise taxes for highways, it should be done through legislation that easily can be changed as circumstances change. Tax revenues should come through some type of user fee. Or, they should not be raised at all. If highways need more money, cut spending elsewhere. Some say government should instead encourage more environmentally sustainable forms of transportation. Continue reading Last time: Here’s what those amendments would do →