Lt. Gov. Griffin announces bid for re-election

Lt. Governor Tim Griffin (R) announced Monday he is seeking re-election when his term ends in 2018.

In a statement from his office, Griffin noted that he had cut his office’s budget by more than 15% and had reduced staff.

“My priorities have been and will continue to be growing jobs, especially through reforming government and improving education and caring for fellow veterans,” he said.

Griffin said he will push for “bold comprehensive reform” of state government, including the tax code and regulatory structure.

“We have a moral obligation not to waste taxpayer dollars, and reform will provide Arkansans with better customer service for less taxpayer dollars. When state government becomes a better steward of taxpayer dollars through reform, money is freed up to lower the tax burden on Arkansans and help Arkansas compete; and fund critical priorities like law enforcement, schools and highways and infrastructure,” he said.

Griffin said he would work to improve education “by giving Arkansans a choice about where their children attend school” and by increasing emphasis on science- and math-related fields.

He also called for tax relief for retired veterans to encourage them to stay here or move to the state.