Nation's Largest Taxpayer Group Launches South Carolina Educational Ads on Economy, Sanford Plan

9/24/2002

From: John Berthoud or Pete Sepp, 703-683-5700, both of the National Taxpayers Union

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 24 -- The 335,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU) today began airing television ads in South Carolina that discuss the state's troubled economy and Mark Sanford's plan to address these woes. The ads invite viewers to visit NTU's website (http://www.ntu.org) and learn more.

NTU President John Berthoud observed, "South Carolina families face difficult economic times, but Mark Sanford has a plan to get the state's economy moving again. It's not only innovative and good for South Carolina, but it could also serve as a model for other states to follow. That's why the plan has been endorsed by over 50 of the nation's leading economists."

The centerpiece of Sanford's plan is a proposal to eliminate South Carolina's income tax. Research by respected economists such as Dr. Richard Vedder of Ohio University (a member of NTU's Board of Directors) has shown that the income tax is perhaps the most debilitating tax that a state can impose. "Lifting this tax burden from the shoulders of South Carolina's working men and women will enable it to become the 'Economic Star of the South' in the 21st century," added Berthoud.

NTU plans to run the 30-second television spots for the coming week and may make additional purchases after that time. The ads - along with NTU's research on the South Carolina economy and taxes - can be viewed online at: www.ntu.org/misc_items/sceconomicplan/sanfordeconomicplan.p hp3.

The South Carolina ads are part of an ongoing effort by NTU to educate voters about taxes and economic growth. Currently, the group is also running print and radio ads in Alaska about the adverse consequences of imposing an income tax in that state.

NTU is a nonprofit, nonpartisan citizen group founded in 1969 to work for lower taxes, less wasteful spending, and accountable government at all levels. NTU has 4,175 members in South Carolina. Further information is available online at http://www.ntu.org.