Here’s where Blackwell and Stickland stand on taxation of Ohio votes.
Ken Blackwell champions limited government and controlled spending. During the 1990s he served on the congressionally-appointed National Commission on Economic Growth and Tax Reform. In 1998 he co-edited a book with Jack Kemp, entitled, “IRS v. The People: Time for Real Tax Reform.” In 2003, Ken Blackwell opposed the Ohio legislature’s tax increase and successfully fought for partial repeal of the Ohio Sales Tax increase. He has publicly criticized the Ohio legislature for increasing Ohio state government spending by over 70% in 10 years. In 2006, Ken Blackwell led state lawmakers to pass a law that for the first time in history limits future increases in Ohio taxes and spending.
During Ted Strickland’s 12-year tenure in the US Congress, he voted to increase social security and gas taxes by more than 30%, and voted for the the largest tax increase in US history. He has consistently voted against tax cuts including tax relief measures for married couples, farmers, military personnel, small businesses and the self-employed. In 2005, Ted Stickland received a 13% rating from the National Taxpayers’ Union and an 8% rating from Americans for tax reform.
Ohio is loosing jobs because Ohio is loosing businesses to other states with lower tax burdens. The answer to Ohio’s employment problems is to create a favorable tax situation to attract new residents and businesses. Only a vote for Blackwell this fall moves Ohio to a pro-business atmosphere.
