It’s clear that turning Virginia’s economy around and fostering private-sector job creation is the most important issue to Virginians in 2017. We’ve talked a lot about how important a strong and vibrant economy is to the Commonwealth’s future. Over the course of this campaign, Ed will lay out specific policies that will get our economy growing again. One of those will be a specific plan for tax relief.
Improving Virginia’s business climate for job growth is my top priority. Ed’s been talking about this since 2014, when he laid out EG2, Ed Gillespie’s Agenda for Economic Growth. Recently, Congressman Dave Brat and Ed wrote in the Free Lance-Star about how conservative policies – not politicians – will create job growth. Ed also penned an op-ed in the Virginian Pilot last year.
Virginia’s tax ranking fell to 33rd in the nation in 2017. And Virginia has fallen outside of the top ten on the list of best states for business. For five straight years, Virginia’s economic growth rate has trailed the national average — we used to be above it. We even fell to the bottom ten states for economic growth in 2014.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to this economic stagnation, but one of them is Virginia’s antiquated tax code. It’s been 30 years since Virginia lowered its individual income taxes. That’s far too long and it’s clear to Ed that it’s time to cut taxes in Virginia. That’s the only way we’re going to spark economic growth, foster private-sector job creation, and give people more opportunities.
Cutting taxes will leave more money in your pocket, help small businesses grow and thrive, make Virginia more competitive, and create jobs and grow the economy.
Soon, Ed will be laying out a tax plan as part of a sweeping agenda to get Virginia growing again. Ed will be a governor for all Virginians – and his policies will help all Virginians.