We are getting a great response to Jay’s plan to cut taxes and spending and I’m so proud of him. I wonder if you can help get the word out by visiting our social media platforms and 1) like, 2) comment, and 3) share? The links are below, I appreciate your help - Katie.

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Ashcroft Announces Aggressive Tax Reform Package

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, the leading candidate for Governor, announced the first plank of his policy platform, The Red Print for Missouri, proposing an aggressive tax reform proposal and dramatic cuts to government spending. The plan is part of a comprehensive approach to re-envisioning government that will make the state more attractive to businesses, workers, and families.

“Republicans in Jefferson City are indistinguishable from Democrats,” said Secretary Ashcroft. “In a state with Republicans in every statewide office, and super majorities in the House and Senate, we’ve nearly doubled government spending, while increasing taxes on hardworking Missourians. That changes under a Governor Jay Ashcroft.”

Over the last five years, government spending has increased a whopping 90%, from $28 billion to $51 billion.

Ashcroft’s proposal has three key elements:

1. Phase out the state income tax. Nine other states in the U.S., red and blue, have no state income tax. Secretary Ashcroft will name a task force of tax policy experts to review the state’s revenue streams and make recommendations on how to best replace income tax revenues with pro-growth policies that encourage productivity. They include Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform; Stephen Moore, Heritage Foundation; Aaron Hedlund, Show Me Institute; Jonathan Williams, American Legislative Exchange Council; Tom Feeney, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and congressman; and Art Laffer, Laffer Center

2. Repeal the 12.5¢ gas tax. Three years ago, the Governor signed a 12.5¢ gas tax increase on Missourians after it was rejected by voters at the ballot box 54-46%. This end-around of the taxpayers is indefensible and this tax is regressive, punishing the people least able to afford it when gas prices are already the highest in our lifetimes. Roads and infrastructure are fundamental responsibilities of government and should be funded by general fund revenues, not specialized taxes that disproportionally affect working people while subsidizing the wealthy.

3. Cut government spending. As Governor, Ashcroft will institute Zero-Based Budgeting, requiring every agency and department to justify their annual budget, not just receive automatic increases. This will encourage a review of the necessity of each taxpayer dollar requested and help eliminate waste in our state government.

“As Governor, I will remind people what a Republican looks like by taking an aggressive, conservative approach to government that reduces its size and scope, while also reducing its cost to Missouri taxpayers,” said Ashcroft. “The Red Print will lay out a path to growth and prosperity for every Missourian.”

Secretary Ashcroft will announce each of the five planks of The Red Print during the primary campaign. To learn more, visit www.ashcroftformissouri.com/redprint.