Campaign News
(COLUMBIA) On Friday, Republican Henry McMaster launched an assault on a plan put forward by Jim Rex this week to increase the state’s cigarette tax to the national average – a plan that would infuse hundreds of millions of dollars into South Carolina’s economy, creating and preserving badly needed jobs. On his Twitter account, McMaster wrote, “You cannot tax your way back to prosperity.” Meanwhile, McMaster has taken thousands of dollars from big tobacco companies in his bid to become South Carolina’s governor.
“Henry McMaster hasn’t learned: You can’t fix an economy and create jobs if you are addicted to special interest money and aren’t willing to change the policies that have driven our economy into the ground. My plan will help our economy, create good health care jobs, prevent teacher furloughs and put our budget on firmer fiscal footing without raising income taxes on hard working South Carolinians at a time they can afford them least. When Mr. McMaster comes up with a plan that will accomplish these goals, I will be happy to debate our respective plans. Until then, our state doesn’t need a lesson in prosperity from a career politician whose party has left us with some of the highest unemployment in the nation,” said Rex.
McMaster has accepted the following contributions from tobacco companies:
| Altria (formerly Philip Morris) | Attorney General | 6/30/2009 | $ 3,500 |
| Reynolds American | Attorney General | 11/18/2008 | $ 2,500 |
| Reynolds American | Attorney General | 3/31/2008 | $ 1,000 |
| Reynolds American | Governor | 9/1/2009 | $ 3,500 |
“I challenge any opponent of this measure to present an alternative that would do so much for the state when it comes to creating jobs, improving our fiscal outlook, and improving both health and education. It’s time for our legislature to pass this law, and it’s time for the Governor to sign it and send a strong message to our state’s teachers, families, small businesses and communities that we’re putting them first – not the special interests,” said Rex.
For more information, visit Jim Rex on the Web at www.jimrex.com.
Tags: cigarette tax, economy, McMaster, Public Education