Congressional Delegation Expects Opposition To President’s Speech

A proposed $320 billion tax increase on wealthier Americans will hurt Arkansas’ economy and destroy any chance of getting things done in the new year, members of the state’s congressional delegation said Monday.

President Barack Obama will give his State of the Union speech Tuesday night in the U.S. Capitol.

However, the people who represent Arkansas in Washington said Monday the tax increase and other proposals are a bad idea.

The Obama administration released information about the tax increase proposal on the White House website Sunday and in the press on Monday.

Among the ideas include raising the capital gains rate from 25 to 28 percent for people making over $500,000 a year, as well as imposing fees on larger banks and financial firms.

In return, the child care tax credit would be tripled to $3,000 per child under the age of five, a $500 second-earner credit would be created, and college students could receive up to $2,500 a year toward completing a degree, the White House said on its website Monday.

The White House said the proposals were geared toward the middle class, calling it a way “to ensuring a simpler, fairer tax code that invests in middle class families.”

However, the proposals drew opposition both nationally and locally.

Nationally, GOP strategist Ron Bonjean said Obama will deliver a political speech in order to “spin up the liberal wing of his party and to define and marginalize the Republican Party as the country slowly heads toward the 2016 elections.”

Stephanie Cutter, former Obama deputy campaign manager and White House aide, told Politico that she expects the speech to be short since many specifics have been rolled out already, but she foresees the president being forceful in his messaging.

“I expect the president to speak more forcefully than he has during any other State of the Union about the enormous economic growth and high job numbers the country is experiencing, and the tough choices we made to get us here,” she said.

COTTON AND BOOZMAN
Locally, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the tax increase was the wrong idea at the wrong time.

“Early reports about tomorrow’s speech seem to indicate President Obama didn’t learn anything from the recent election. Arkansans don’t want — and frankly, can’t afford — higher taxes. They want a government that is efficient and accountable and that can do more with less. They also want a government that prioritizes our national security and I will be listening to hear what kind of plan the President puts forth for confronting the serious threats our country faces around the world,” said Cotton, who serves on both the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees.

The speech Tuesday night is also the first State of the Union speech for Obama being given to Republican majorities in the Congress.

Republicans have a 246-188 majority in the House, including all four seats in Arkansas’ delegation; and a 54-46 majority, including both seats from Arkansas, in the Senate.

Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., said he is hoping a Republican Congress and a Democratic President can get things done.

“I see this divided government as an opportunity for Congress and the administration to work together,” said Boozman, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I believe we can find common ground and I would like to hear the President talk about ways he can work with Congress instead of issuing executive orders.”

This past weekend, Boozman outlined in a column several ways that he believes the President and Congress can work together, including the Keystone XL pipeline and bipartisan tax reform.

“We’ve seen positive results from a divided government. I encourage President Obama to follow President Clinton’s example and work with Congress to improve the lives of all Americans,” said Boozman.

CRAWFORD AND WOMACK
Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, said he believes economic and foreign policy issues must be addressed.

“While the President has said he wants to work with Congress on critical issues facing our nation, his actions show otherwise. Arkansans want greater financial security and that will only happen when the President takes our debt crisis more seriously,” said Crawford, who serves on the House agriculture and transportation committees.

“Arkansans also need assurances that our nation and our borders will be secure against barbaric elements such as ISIS and a resurgent Al Qaeda. The President needs to take this opportunity to outline a plan that will provide greater economic security to American families by addressing our debt crisis while also outlining steps that will keep our nation secure from enemies who want to see our nation and other freedom-loving nations suffer,” Crawford added.

In a statement Monday night, Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, said he is hopeful but realistic about the speech.

“I look forward to hearing from President Obama tomorrow, and I hope he will recognize the will of the American people and the message they sent in November,” Womack said. “But I expect more of the same: higher taxes, more spending, bigger government and no real effort to address the issues vital to job creation and deficits and debt reduction. Like his budgets, these speeches just aren’t realistic.”