Economic Development

One of the characteristics common to government economic development efforts is lower levels of the tax burden, usually for a particular entity or business. I agree wholeheartedly that lower taxes are a tremendous incentive to businesses of all sizes to start up, locate, or expand in Indiana. It should be at the heart of our economic development and job creation efforts.

The best public policy that government can pursue, promote a “fair field with no favors”, where lower tax burdens are enjoyed by all business and individuals. Economic development incentives that increase the cost to many businesses and individuals, in order to give a break to a certain business (i.e., subsidies) are always a net loss and should not be pursued. It is an indisputable fact that government has nothing to give to anyone that it first hasn’t already taken from someone else. No politician or bureaucrat, regardless of their desire to accomplish good things, has the ability to pick and choose winners and losers with other people’s money.

Common sense and practical experience tells us that the best economic development policy to pursue is very low taxes, reduction of all unnecessary regulation and bureaucracy, and elimination of government red tape. As your state representative, these are the types of economic development policies I would seek.

Government Spending

It is unfortunate that debate on government spending doesn’t seem to occur at the same time taxes are discussed. It is the spending for all aspects of government that drives the levels of taxation we endure.

There are several fallacies regarding government spending that I do not subscribe to. They can be summarized as follows:
Fallacy #1- Nearly everything the government does is vital and necessary.
Fallacy #2- Government must step in to provide products and services in the case of “market failure”.
Fallacy #3- Free markets/private sector entities cannot provide certain products or services as “fairly” or as “cheaply” as government.

These false notions prevent vigorous debate that should take place every day in the state legislature.
As your state representative, you can count on me to challenge these assumptions as I seek to limit
government to it’s proper functions.

Property Tax, Sales Tax, Income Tax, Other Taxes

Certainly at the top of the list of concerns for most citizens are taxes.
In 2008, most of the discussion centered on property tax.

The entire range of taxes imposed by the State of Indiana is inter-related.
In fact, it is the increase in sales tax that is contemplated to provide the
lion’s share of property tax relief. Other source-specific taxes, such as
gambling taxes, are also part of the mix.

I have very definite views on government taxation that hold for each type
of tax. These views can be summarized as follows:

1. Taxes levied by governments should be imposed at the lowest levels possible.
It is government spending that drives the levels of taxation we currently suffer.

2. Taxes levied by governments should be simple to understand, simple to comply
with, and the amount due knowable in advance.

3. Taxes levied by governments should be free from social engineering,
i.e. favoring one group over another with regard to the burden imposed.
Tax policy should be guided by the standard of “a fair field with no favors”.

My record as a local elected official speaks volumes to my unceasing efforts
to lower taxes for all. As your state representative, I will continue those
efforts for truly lowering taxes in the state legislature.