17 - Opinion (State, National, or International Issue)

 

Issue 1 in Arkansas: 

Governor Asa Hutchinson over the past few months has been heavily pushing for Arkansans to vote for Issue 1. This issue is voting yes for continuing the transportation sales tax of 0.5% with the revenue being dedicated to highways, roads, and bridges. That is what a yes vote means a no would mean that the 0.5% sales tax would go away in 2023 as it was created back in 2012. "The Department of Finance and Administration estimated that the 0.5% sales tax authorized by the amendment would generate $293.7 million in revenue based on 12 months of the collections, Issue 1 was designed to allocated in the following way." They broke this down into 70% going to state highways, 15% to county transportation, and another 15% to city transportation. Before the election I was not quite sure if this issue was going to pass as on social media it seemed as if it was split 50/50 yes or no. 

However, the numbers of approval projected that it seemed like the state was split in their decision for this issue. They have already announced that Issue 1 was approved as 651,400 Arkansans voted yes (55.20%) and 528, 776 voted no (44.80%). Many were saying that this permanent sales tax was a bad idea but they have stated that this tax will not affect food items. As many were concerned that this permanent tax would effect their ability to care for themselves and their family. If you voted here in Arkansas you would have seen this Issue on your ballot with a summary of "An Amendment to the Arkansas Constitution continuing on one-half percent (0.5%) sales and use tax for state highways and bridges; county roads, bridges, and other surface transportation; and city streets, bridges, and other surface transportation after the retirement of the bonds authorized in Arkansas Constitution Amendment 91." 

In my personal opinion voting for Issue one seems like it could be a positive move for Arkansas. This issue could create more jobs and keep renewing our roads. If we are being honest if you drive in Arkansas a lot of the times the road condition is a little less than desirable. I actually discussed this issue with my mom and she was actually for Issue 1 because she told me that Arkansas does a good job organizing their money agreeing that the roads need work as well. I myself am not into politics but throughout the past year or so I have taken a new interest in issues like this one.