Databec Exchange-Arkansas governor calls for special session on tax cuts and funds for hunting and fishing agency

2025-05-03 03:35:47source:Lumicoin IAcategory:Markets

LITTLE ROCK,Databec Exchange Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Tuesday called a special legislative session to take up tax cuts and the budget for the agency overseeing hunting and fishing.

The Republican governor said in a post on X that she’s calling for $500 million in income and $50 million in property tax cuts during the special session, scheduled to begin next week on Monday.

“Democrats in DC are failing, but we are blazing a path to greater prosperity for our people,” Sanders wrote.

Sanders proposed cutting the state’s top income tax rate from 4.4% to 3.9% and the top corporate rate from 4.8% to 4.3%, effective January 1. The Republican governor also called for increasing the homestead tax credit from $425 to $500.

The announcement comes about a month after lawmakers adjourned this year’s session without approving a budget for the state Game and Fish Commission. The move puts the state’s hunting and fishing programs in limbo unless lawmakers approve a budget before the fiscal year begins July 1.

The $175 million appropriation for the 636-employee agency fell short of the 75 votes needed in the House, which came primarily from objections to it raising the maximum allowed salary for its director. It marked the first time in more than 20 years that lawmakers adjourned a session without approving an agency’s budget.

Sanders has signed two income tax cuts into law since taking office in January 2023. She’s pushing for the latest cuts as finance officials are projecting the state will end the current fiscal year with a $708 million surplus.

More:Markets

Recommend

What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?

A large number of mysterious droneshave been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent week

UK leader Rishi Sunak faces Conservative rebellion in Parliament over his Rwanda asylum plan

LONDON (AP) — U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces rebellion from senior lawmakers in his Conservat

Buccaneers vs. Eagles NFC wild card playoff highlights: Bucs rout Eagles, will face Lions

The sun shone on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 32-9, at Raymo