Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009: on Tax Reform
Chris Christie:
We can and we must lower taxes
I believe we can and we must lower taxes. Lower taxes will invite back businesses, jobs, employees, residents and students. More people paying taxes means more revenue- Reduce the personal income tax
- Restore property tax relief for everyone
-
Eliminate the "double-taxation' on New Jersey S-Corporations
- Eliminate special interest labor union giveaways that increase taxes
- 2/3 majority vote to impose new tax or to increase existing tax.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website, christiefornj.com
Nov 3, 2009
Bob McDonnell:
Kill the Death Tax; eliminate fraud & duplication
Bob McDonnell voted more than 50 times to cut taxes during his 14 years in the House of Delegates, resulting in over $2 billion in tax cuts.- Bob McDonnell was Chief Sponsor of legislation to kill the
Death Tax on family businesses and farms.
- As Attorney General, Bob McDonnell proactively cut his office's budget by nearly 15%. In 2008 he gave back his state car and cut his own salary--voluntarily!.
These cuts saved Virginia taxpayers close to $4 million.
- As Attorney General, Bob McDonnell fought to eliminate fraud in the Medicare system, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely and efficiently.
-
As Attorney General, Bob McDonnell established the Government and Regulatory Reform Task Force to eliminate burdensome and duplicative government regulations and ensure that hinder free enterprise and job creation.
Source: 2009 VA Gubernatorial campaign site, bobmcdonnell.com
Jul 21, 2009
Chris Christie:
NJ has highest state tax burden & it's getting worse
New Jersey has the highest tax burden in the country and it's getting worse--the latest Corzine budget just raised taxes by another $1.2 billion. We're also burdened with the highest property taxes in the country, but that didn't stop Jon
Corzine from taking away property tax rebates from 1.2 million New Jerseyans in this year's budget. In fact, Jon Corzine and Jim McGreevey have raised taxes on the average New Jersey family by more than $10,000 since 2002--over
$22 billion in taxes, the highest in the nation.
This will change in a Christie Administration. Highlights from Chris' plan to cut our taxes:
- Provide Property Tax Relief
- Reduce New Jersey's Income Tax
-
Across the board cut for all taxpayers
- Additional cut or credit for NJ-based small businesses
- Reduce the Corporate Business Tax Rate
- Eliminate the double taxation on New Jersey's S-Corporations
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website, christiefornj.com
Jul 21, 2009
Chris Daggett:
NJ bears the most punishing tax burden in the nation
There is no magic here. We have spent and borrowed our way into a deep hole, partly due to the national financial crisis, but in even greater measure due to failed state & local budgetary policies of several administrations and both political parties.
Between federal, state and local taxes, New Jerseyans probably bear the most punishing tax burden in the nation, especially when you factor in the high cost of living. But the state budget isn't even the biggest problem.
Property taxes, not state taxes--local spending, not state spending--are the biggest problems. These are self-inflicted wounds, and we need a governor willing to start talking seriously about reducing the real cost drivers of ever-rising salary,
health care benefit and pension costs and the price we all pay to fund 566 municipalities and more than 600 school districts in the name of home rule.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website, daggettforgovernor.com
Jul 21, 2009
Jon Corzine:
Live-Where-You-Work via property tax relief
Governor Corzine recognizes the interconnectedness of where we live, where we work, and where our kids go to school. That's why he has continued to put local issues first.
His administration has provided more direct property tax relief in four years than any other in New Jersey's history--nearly $7 billion paid directly back to homeowners.
He has also consistently lowered the statewide increase in school tax levy during his time in office, and created the Live-Where-You-Work program to provide low-interest mortgages to homebuyers in towns where they are employed.
All of this adds up to a comprehensive plan that aims to keep New Jersey's middle class going strong during this global recession, and beyond.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial website, joncorzine09.com, "Real Results"
Jul 21, 2009
Bev Perdue:
Led charge for creation of state earned income tax credit
Bev Perdue’s major accomplishments include Fighting for Working Families:- Led the charge for tax relief for working families through creation of the state earned income tax credit and helped pass the $1 increase in North Carolina’s minimum wage
- Supports continued efforts to help families with the cost of child care, health insurance and housing
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial website, bevperdue.com, “Accomplishments”
Nov 4, 2008
Joe Manchin III:
Created a low-income family tax credit
Making A Difference On Taxes- Created a low-income family tax credit
- Doubled the senior citizen refundable property tax credit
- Eliminated the state privilege tax on automobiles to truly welcome new residents to West Virginia
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial campaign website, for re-election
Nov 1, 2008
Brad Henry:
Implemented two largest tax cuts in state history
Gov. Henry has implemented both targeted and broad-based tax relief throughout his time in office, including the two largest tax cuts in state history. In June 2006, Governor Henry signed legislation that will decrease the personal income tax rate from
6.25% to 5.5% over three years, with further decreases possible if the economy remains strong. That legislation also raises Oklahoma’s standard deduction to the federal level, giving a boost to middle-income Oklahomans, and eliminates the death tax.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, henryforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Dave Heineman:
I will continue to lower taxes
As your Governor, I will continue to lower taxes, improve the economy and provide first class educational opportunities for our children. You have bestowed a great trust in me and with your continued support I will lead Nebraska forward.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, GovDave.com “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Eliot Spitzer:
$1.5 billion in immediate property tax relief
Our property tax relief plan is aimed at middle class New Yorkers whose property taxes are rising too fast for their incomes to keep up.
It is a meaningful, fair and fiscally responsible plan that calls for $1.5 billion in immediate property tax relief next year, $2 billion in 2008 and $2.5 billion in 2009.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, spitzerpaterson.com
Nov 7, 2006
Jim Douglas:
Reduced property tax rate by 7 cents
We must address the issue of property taxes in this state. Farmers, working families and small businesses are all being squeezed by soaring property tax bills. I am pleased that we were able to reduce the property tax rate by 7 cents this legislative
session but more must be done. I’ve proposed a cap on property taxes. Unfortunately, the legislature did not act on this reasonable step to help Vermont tax payers but I will continue to work to reduce the property tax burden Vermonters are faced with
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website JimDouglas.org, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
John Lynch:
Opposes income tax and sales tax
Gov. John Lynch opposes an income and sales tax, and balanced the state budget without new taxes, keeping New Hampshire’s tax burden the lowest in the nation.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website johnlynch06.com “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Kathleen Sebelius:
Balanced four state budgets without tax increases
Sebelius kept her pledge to perform a top-to-bottom audit of state government--an effort that uncovered $159 million in wasteful government spending. Governor Sebelius has balanced four state budgets in a row--all without tax increases, and all
while protecting education funding and other vital initiatives. Forbes magazine recently rated Kansas first among the fifty states for creating a climate of “economic freedom”, where businesses face the fewest obstacles for establishing new enterprise.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign site www.ksgovernor.com “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Linda Lingle:
Pushed for substantial and permanent tax relief
We must take action now to bring down the cost of living, and the quickest way to accomplish this is granting meaningful tax relief to Hawai‘i’s working families. That is why we have pushed for substantial and permanent tax relief every legislative
session for the last four years. In the 2006 legislative session, we proposed four tax relief bills to put an additional $1,568 into the pockets of a typical family. The Legislature however only adopted modest tax cuts.
Source: 2006 gubernatorial campaign website, lingleaiona2006.com
Nov 7, 2006
Mike Rounds:
Opposed to Personal Income Tax
Mike’s Basic Principles- Opposed to Personal Income Tax
- Pro-life
- Pro 2nd Amendment Rights
- Supports Limited Government
- Fiscal Conservative
Mike’s Priorities- Balancing the State’s Budget and Reducing the Structural Deficit While:
- Growing South Dakota’s economy
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, roundsforgov.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Phil Bredesen:
Balance state needs--without an income tax
I believe state government must balance available resources with the increasing demands of education, job creation, health care and other vital priorities--without an income tax.
My budget and management priorities include:- Submitting a balanced budget.
- Preparing for economic downturns.
- Rebuilding investor confidence.
- Maintaining a hands-on approach.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, bredesen.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Sonny Perdue:
State should only spend tax money for what it truly needs
Sonny understands the importance of limited government and fiscal responsibility. His goal is to keep state government living within its means, only spending tax money for what it truly needs.
Since he took office, the state of Georgia has provided over $2 billion dollars in tax relief to its citizens. Georgia taxpayers have one of the lowest state tax burdens in the nation.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, www.votesonny.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Tim Pawlenty:
Supports Single Sales Tax Reform
- Opposed tax increases that would have stunted job growth in Minnesota.
- Proposed and signed Single Sales Tax Reform, a fairer tax formula that encourages employers to make investments in Minnesota.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, www.timpawlenty.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Christy Mihos:
Cap property tax; increase local aid
Proposition One.- Will dedicate 40% ($1.1 billion in FY2006) of state tax revenues for local aid. Currently only 28% of these revenues are given back to our communities for schools, public safety, and other local services.
- Will cap property
values from the time of purchase until the property is sold, thus providing more certainty to homeowners, who will not experience unpredictable increases in property taxes due to reassessment.
- Will remove all sport & activity fees from public schools.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.christy2006.com
Jul 16, 2006
Christy Mihos:
Roll back state income tax from 5.3% to 5%
While Christy favors a rollback of the state income tax from 5.3% to 5%, his top priority is returning local aid to cities and towns under Proposition One to fund their education, public safety and public works needs. Cities and towns would receive
$1.1 billion if Proposition One were enacted in FY 2006. Christy will index all deductions on the Massachusetts state tax form in order to ensure that Massachusetts taxpayers are not penalized by its failure to account for inflation.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.christy2006.com
Jul 16, 2006
Chris Gabrieli:
Supports responsibly rolling taxes back to 5.0%
Q: Do you support rolling the income tax back from 5.3% to 5.0%?A: I support responsibly rolling taxes back to 5.0%. The people voted for it, and middle class families need the relief. Over the course of this campaign,
I will lay out a plan tied to specific revenue benchmarks that will allow us to get to 5.0% over a reasonable period of time, and without burdening local communities.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, gabrieli.org, “FAQs”
Jun 3, 2006
Grace Ross:
Make taxes progressive
Our Issues- Stop taxing poverty, stop corporate welfare, make taxes progressive
Source: 2006 gubernatorial campaign website, www.graceandwendy.org
Jun 3, 2006
Christy Mihos:
Constant property taxes until property is sold
Stabilize Property Taxes: Under Proposition 1, property values would remain constant from the time of purchase until the property is sold.
Thus, the system will provide more certainty to homeowners since they will not face any overwhelming jumps in property taxes from reassessment.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website christy2006.com “Prop 1”
Jun 2, 2006
Kerry Healey:
Immediately roll back the state income tax to 5%
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey called on the House of Representatives to honor the will of the voters and immediately roll back the state income tax to 5 percent.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, healeycommittee.com, “Issues”
Apr 18, 2006
Haley Barbour:
I am against raising anybody’s taxes
I am against raising anybody’s taxes. Mississippi already has the highest state and local taxes in the South. My old boss Ronald Reagan was right: to raise taxes while government is on a spending binge is only feeding the beast
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, haleybarbour.com
Jan 28, 2006
Tim Kaine:
Proven record of cutting taxes
Families face challenges every day in balancing their household budgets, providing for their children, and saving for their future. I understand that every tax dollar government has to spend comes out of a family budget.
I have a proven record of cutting taxes. At the local and at the state level, I have fought to help families keep more of their hard-earned dollars, stimulating the economy and expanding opportunity for all Virginians.
Source: 2005 Gubernatorial campaign website kaine2005.org, “Issues”
Nov 8, 2005
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Californians are overtaxed; find a better way
I am firmly opposed to raising taxes. Californians are already overtaxed. California has one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, and just about everything a Californian does today is subject to one tax or another. It’s unfair to accept the
notion that hitting taxpayers up for more money is the answer to our state’s budget and economic problems. Politicians in Sacramento should find a better way to turn things around-not simply shift the burden of their mistakes onto the backs of taxpayers.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, JoinArnold.com
Aug 29, 2003
Arnold Schwarzenegger:
Fight any attempt to roll back Proposition 13
Proposition 13 has allowed millions of Californians to realize the dream of homeownership for over 25 years, and I will fight any attempt to roll back its protection. Thanks to this measure, California homeowners are not burdened with the prospect
of losing their homes someday because of a spiraling tax burden. Proposition 13 also protects Californians on fixed incomes, notably retired residents, from being priced out of their homes.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, JoinArnold.com
Aug 29, 2003
Arianna Huffington:
Big business should carry fair share of the tax burden
Arianna will unveil a detailed plan to balance California’s budget in early September. She has already announced that she plans to close corporate tax loopholes and tax shelters, making sure that big businesses carry their fair share of the tax burden.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, AriannaForGov.com
Aug 15, 2003
Arianna Huffington:
Full assessment of commercial property; more corporate tax
Arianna has called for an end to the insufficient assessment of commercial property. She intends to reverse the trend that has seen an increase in the property tax burden placed on homeowners, and a decrease in the share paid by corporations.
They used to provide 14% of our state’s tax revenue. Today they provide only 8%.
Source: 2003 Gubernatorial campaign website, AriannaForGov.com
Aug 15, 2003
Bill Richardson:
Reduce income tax; create Taxpayer Bill of Rights
I will devote my energy and experience to overhauling our tax system. Here are some proposals we should consider:- Phase in a reduction of the state’s personal income tax.
- Reform our tax code so we don’t rely on punitive and regressive taxes
on items - such as groceries - that hit the people the hardest
- Create a “Taxpayer Bill of Rights” similar to the federal system which will hold our state tax department accountable for unreasonable positions it takes against taxpayers.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site RichardsonForGovernor.com, “Taxes”
Oct 15, 2002
John Sanchez:
Cut income tax & capital gains taxes
Sanchez believes that we need tax cuts to jumpstart the economy, create jobs, and grow hope and opportunity for every New Mexican. Cut the personal income tax: our current rate of 8.2% is outrageously high. Sanchez will fight to cut the personal income
tax in New Mexico. Reduce the capital gains tax: this tax discourages out-of-state businesses from relocating to New Mexico. Sanchez supports a 5-year reduction of the capital gains tax to levels at our below our personal income tax rate.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign site, JohnSanchezForGovernor.com
Oct 15, 2002
Tim Shallenburger:
Lower corporate tax to be more business-friendly
Shallenburger believes a low, competitive, consistent and fair tax structure is a vital component in our economic development policy. “Corporate income taxes in Kansas are too high,” says Shallenburger.
He supports lowering state corporate income tax rates. “We need to be business friendly in Kansas,” Shallenburger said.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website TimShallenburger.com, “Issues”
Oct 10, 2002
Stormy Dean:
New Tax Cabinet for long-term tax relief
Dean proposes a Governor’s Tax Cabinet for Efficiency and Fairness: a voluntary cabinet appointed by the governor and comprised of members of taxpayer advocacy groups, the private sector, rural and urban viewpoints.
The goal would be to chart a long-term goal for tax relief. The cabinet also provides a vehicle for Nebraskans to air-out key questions and concerns on taxes in the state.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website StormyDean.com, “Issues”
Oct 8, 2002
Bill Curry:
Cut property taxes by $1B
In 1994, I offered a plan that would have cut property taxes in Connecticut by more than $1 billion, a proposal that would’ve cut your property taxes by 25% or more. The Governor’s so-called tax relief came in the form of gimmicky rebates, gas tax cuts
that went straight to the big oil companies, and larger tax cuts to businesses represented by well-connected lobbyists. Instead, the Governor should have dedicated every available dollar to property tax relief. He didn’t. When I’m Governor, I will.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website CurryForCT.com, “Issues”
Oct 7, 2002
Sonny Perdue:
Amendment: all surplus pays debt or cuts taxes
Sonny Perdue supports a constitutional amendment that requires the use of surplus revenue for tax cuts or to pay down the debt. A 2/3 supermajority in both houses of the General Assembly would be required to use surpluses for any other purpose.
Governor Perdue will eliminate state income taxes on all non-wage incomes for Georgians over the age of 62. Perdue’s plan will free up disposable income in times of rising health care and prescription drug costs.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, VoteSonny.com, “Issues”
Oct 7, 2002
Brad Henry:
Maintain income tax
Henry’s message included a promise to fight for a state lottery to raise money for education and to oppose changing from a tax system that relies on an income tax to a system that relies more heavily on sales tax. “This plan to eliminate the income tax
and replace it with a tax on consumption will favor the wealthy and hurt average Oklahoma working families and small businesses?not to mention increasing the amount of tax dollars Oklahomans send to the federal government by more than $300 million.”
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website, BradHenry4governor.com, "News"
Sep 6, 2002
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018