John Hendrickson: Delaying tax reform would be a setback for Iowa’s taxpayers and our economy. By lowering tax rates and controlling spending, Iowa will not only create a stronger economy with more opportunities, but also provide for the priorities of state government.
About John Hendrickson
The Failure of Progressive “Blue State” Economics
John Hendrickson: Iowa’s progressives are following a policy program known as the “Blue State” model seen in states like Connecticut, Illinois, and California, which “incorporates high levels of public employment, extensive and expensive public services, and high taxes and comprehensive regulations on business.”
The North Carolina Growth Story Continues
John Hendrickson: Opponents of tax reduction balk at North Carolina’s historic tax reform as an example that pro-growth tax policies only lead to the bleeding of essential state services. They are wrong.
An Unfortunate Milestone: Our National Debt Has Reached $21 Trillion
John Hendrickson: The $21 trillion national debt and the continuing out-of-control spending is a serious problem that can no longer be ignored.
Will Iowa Become a Pro-Growth State?
John Hendrickson: Iowa policymakers should take note of states that have enacted meaningful tax reform successfully. By lowering rates and keeping spending levels low, Iowa can deliver tax relief to the benefit of all Iowans by creating economic growth and opportunity.
Iowa Needs Tax Reform Now: Delay Will Result in Tax Increases on Iowans
John Hendrickson: High tax rates are harmful to economic growth. In addition to reducing rates, the final tax reform and relief measure should be comprehensive, use revenue triggers or phase-ins, reduce and reform the use of tax credits, and modernize the sales and use tax to bring fairness to Iowa’s small businesses.
Time to Strengthen Iowa’s 99% Spending Limitation
John Hendrickson: Iowa taxpayers deserve constitutional protection, and the best way to do this is to protect taxpayer interests through a stronger spending limit.
Government’s Unquenchable Thirst for Tax Dollars
John Hendrickson: Iowa has a tight budget, but the solution to seeking more revenues must not be found in increasing existing taxes, like the beer tax, or creating new taxes.
Now is the Time to Create a Better Tax Climate
John Hendrickson: The Iowa Legislature has a unique opportunity to enact tax relief by lowering rates across-the-board and begin the process of controlling spending with the 99 percent spending limitation amendment.
Reducing Government Spending: It Can Be Done
John Hendrickson: Nebraska’s Governor Pete Ricketts (R) can serve as an example for Iowans as he is leading his state’s effort to reform spending, which is not only sound policy for taxpayers but also for economic growth.
How to Raise Revenues in Iowa: Create Economic Growth
John Hendrickson: Contrary to what the Des Moines Register’s editorial board believes, the solution to finding more revenues will not be found in increasing taxes or creating new taxes, but rather by lowering spending and tax rates that will generate more economic growth.
A Taxpayer Friendly Legislative Session
John Hendrickson: President Ronald Reagan argued that the only special interest that should be protected by the tax code is the taxpayers. This is a principle that Iowans for Tax Relief will continue to fight for during the upcoming legislative session.
The Taxpayers Deserve a Review of all Iowa Tax Credits
John Hendrickson: If the legislature works to make the tax code friendlier to individuals and businesses by lowering rates, it will result in not only better incentives for economic growth, but it will be protecting the interests of the taxpayer.
The Federal Budget and Morality
John Hendrickson: Coolidge regarded “a good budget as among the noblest monuments of virtue” and believed that the issue of taxation was also a moral issue.
Lowering Rates is a Positive Trend in State Taxation
John Hendrickson: The trend among many states has been to lower both individual and corporate income taxes as well as business and property taxes.
The Historical Roots of Big Government
John Hendrickson: The true origins of today’s big government originate with the progressive and modern liberal movement of the early 20th century.