Pioneering tax cut advocate dies

Arkansas Senator Eugene “Bud” Canada, who at one time was the voice in the legislative wilderness in his calls for removing the sales tax on groceries, has died. He was 84.

Canada, who served as a Democrat state senator for many years representing Hot Springs, made many attempts to repeal or reduce the sales tax on groceries. He especially pushed the fight during his time as chairman of the Senate Revenue and Tax Committee.

Gov. Mike Beebe picked up Canada’s cause, and has worked to cut the sales tax on groceries. Canada stood next to Beebe when the law was enacted to cut the tax from 6 cents to 3 cents. The tax has since been reduced by another cent, with Beebe saying it is his goal to remove the tax.

Beebe issued the following statement Monday (Dec. 21): “Bud Canada served Arkansas with determination, kindness and class.  His insight and steady temperament had a great influence on me during my formative years in the State Senate. It was his dream to see Arkansas do away with the sales tax on groceries, and it was a privilege to have Bud standing next to me when I signed the grocery-tax cut in 2007.”

Canada served 26 years in the Senate and two terms in the House. His Senate career ended in 2000.