Ross, Hutchinson argue over state budget planning

Republican candidate for Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson and Democratic candidate Mike Ross speak to members of the Delta Regional Authority in Pine Bluff on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014.
Republican candidate for Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson and Democratic candidate Mike Ross speak to members of the Delta Regional Authority in Pine Bluff on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014.

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas gubernatorial candidates Asa Hutchinson and Mike Ross each say Gov. Mike Beebe approves of their tax plans, though it was Ross who drew the endorsement from the fellow Democrat.

Hutchinson, the Republican nominee, said in a Friday forum that he stands by his plan for a $100 million cut in the state income tax for the middle class. Ross says that would result in a $60 million deficit, based on an estimated $40 million in 2016 revenue growth.

Ross said he wants to balance the budget first and consider the needs of the state first when assessing annual revenue growth.

Hutchinson accused Ross of having little credibility in budget matters and pointed to large federal deficits run up when Ross was in Congress. Hutchinson is also a former congressman.

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