Not telling full story

Marjorie Greenberg’s guest column in Sunday’s paper was, well, interesting. No doubt Arkansas has a higher tax burden than many surrounding states. Of course we don’t want to lead these rankings. It’s bad for businesses.

But while extolling the virtues of low taxation, which everyone likes, she omits one key fact. Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana constantly struggle to balance their budgets.

Oklahoma will be in special session later this month to “try” to deal with an estimated $878 million shortfall. Texas just went through a similar special session. Louisiana even considered a gasoline tax increase of up to 23 cents per gallon earlier this year. They are still trying to close the rest of the gap of what was a $2 billion shortfall, and rumors of a ballot initiative to raise gross production taxes on oil and gas are afloat in Oklahoma.

Unfortunately, Arkansas’ recent status as a significant energy producer is over and is not likely to return, so we don’t even have that luxury.

Everyone likes low taxes, but we also like good roads and educated children, both of which are good for business. Sure, consider cuts and better management for efficiency, but let’s not kid ourselves about the budget health of surrounding states. Not telling the full story borders on irresponsibility. TOMMY FOLTZ Little Rock