In an emailed statement to supporters, gubernatorial candidate Lindy Blanchard promised to cut taxes if she is elected.
“One of the biggest long-term threats to our country is our ballooning debt and deficit,” Blanchard said. “Big spending bills and inflated taxes aren’t just a national problem, they are a problem here in Alabama too. Last year, so-called conservatives in the state legislature celebrated passing the biggest spending bill in the state’s history. And what’s worse is that they’re poised to do it again this year.
“One of my top priorities as your next governor will be putting your money back in your pocket,” Blanchard said. “We have too many taxes that are a burden to our families and businesses. Unlike those who celebrate our state's big-spending ways, I am a true, small-government conservative. I believe in finding solutions without increasing taxes, and more importantly, making changes to the system that are only doing harm to our people. I know without a shadow of a doubt that this can be done.”
Blanchard made a number of proposals:
Called on the governor and state legislators to suspend the gasoline tax.
If elected, on day one of her administration, she will begin rolling back the 2019 gas tax increase.
Alabama is one of only three states that taxes groceries at the full sales tax rate (and with no stipulations for low-income residents, too). She believes that "our basic necessity - food - should not be taxed," and she said she will put a stop to it.
Blanchard promised to work to get rid of the business privilege tax that she feels has been a burden on Alabama small businesses for too long.
She feels the same way about the occupational tax, saying, "Our dedicated workers shouldn’t have to pay these extra costs, especially in a state where so many of us believe our government should stay out of our lives."
She opposes any toll on the I-10 Mobile Bay Bridge and Bayway project.
“I’m a mathematician, not a politician,” Blanchard said. “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and dig into this budget to put money back into the pockets of Alabamians. I will never participate in the kind of backroom deals that were the precursor to the gas tax increase that has been devastating to Alabama families. As an outsider, I do not understand the ‘padding pockets policies’ that happen in Montgomery, but I do understand numbers.
“It is the job of state leaders like the governor to find solutions to help our people, and I believe that starts with putting more of your money back in your pockets. I will be the governor that finally steps up, rolls up her sleeves, and gets it done.”
Blanchard is a businesswoman, philanthropist and former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia.
Lindy Blanchard, Lew Burdette, Stacey George, Kay Ivey, Tim James, Donald Trent Jones, Dean Odle, Dave Thomas, and Dean Young are all running in the May 24 Republican primary for governor.
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