Michael White (Arkansas)
Michael White (Libertarian Party) ran for election to the Arkansas House of Representatives to represent District 75. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
White completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Michael White was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. He attended Louisiana State University in Shreveport. His career experience includes working as an entrepreneur.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Arkansas House of Representatives District 75
Incumbent Ashley Hudson defeated Michael White in the general election for Arkansas House of Representatives District 75 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Ashley Hudson (D) | 64.9 | 8,537 |
 | Michael White (L)  | 35.1 | 4,618 | |
| Total votes: 13,155 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Ashley Hudson advanced from the Democratic primary for Arkansas House of Representatives District 75.
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for Arkansas House of Representatives District 75
Michael White advanced from the Libertarian convention for Arkansas House of Representatives District 75 on February 25, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Michael White (L) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for White in this election.
2022
See also: Arkansas' 2nd Congressional District election, 2022
General election
General election for U.S. House Arkansas District 2
Incumbent French Hill defeated Quintessa Hathaway and Michael White in the general election for U.S. House Arkansas District 2 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | French Hill (R) | 60.0 | 147,975 |
 | Quintessa Hathaway (D) | 35.3 | 86,887 | |
| Michael White (L) | 4.7 | 11,584 | |
| Total votes: 246,446 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Quintessa Hathaway advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 2.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 2
Incumbent French Hill defeated Conrad Reynolds in the Republican primary for U.S. House Arkansas District 2 on May 24, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | French Hill | 58.5 | 49,488 |
 | Conrad Reynolds | 41.5 | 35,078 | |
| Total votes: 84,566 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Libertarian convention
Libertarian convention for U.S. House Arkansas District 2
Michael White advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Arkansas District 2 on February 20, 2022.
Candidate | ||
| ✔ | | Michael White (L) |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michael White completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by White's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
Family has always been my anchor, and weekends were devoted to exploring Arkansas's natural wonders with my wife and children. Our decision to move to Little Rock in 2020 was rooted in a desire for a vibrant community that values family and freedom.
Having weathered economic storms and societal shifts, I'm deeply committed to upholding the founding principles of this republic. As a State Representative, I will proudly champion policies that foster individual liberty, economic opportunity, and limited government intervention. My vision for Arkansas is a beacon of liberty, where families thrive and the spirit of entrepreneurship flourishes in a culture of respect and opportunity.- You are not government property. Your life is yours. I staunchly uphold this principle of self ownership, recognizing that you possesses inherent rights. This fundamental truth forms the bedrock of my political philosophy, guiding my commitment to protecting personal freedoms & limiting government intrusion into your life. However, liberty isn't a free pass; it comes with the responsibility to respect the rights & well-being of others. In essence, individual freedoms should thrive as long as they do not encroach upon or harm the rights & freedoms of others. Bottom line, as your representative, I will be your voice for an Arkansas where your rights are upheld, echoing the principles of the founding of this republic.
- Taxes shouldn't strip away ownership of labor or property. Without owning your labor, you're enslaved; without owning property, you're merely a renter. I stand for individual ownership to prevent such exploitation. Everyone deserves to enjoy the fruits of their labor without undue government interference. This doesn't mean neglecting essential services, safety nets, or amenities that enhance public life. Instead, it means exploring fairer funding methods, aiding individuals to pursue economic prosperity & create generational wealth for every Arkansas family. Such is my 'North Star', the guiding principle that will shape my representation of you in legislative discussions involving funding.
- We face a pressing issue - dependency. None aspire to be reliant on federal aid, yet our current educational system perpetuates this cycle. However, I envision a transformative shift. Education, our greatest opportunity, can liberate us from this dependency. It's time to reimagine our education system as the cornerstone of independence, offering parents more choice, including trade schools. By equipping our youth with essential skills and opportunities, we pave the way for a future where every Arkansan flourishes autonomously, no longer tethered to government assistance. Remember, it's not about ending welfare today, but crafting a tomorrow where it's no longer needed for prosperity.
Similarly, my father's story is one of resilience and adaptability. While he only attended a semester of college, he carved out a successful career for himself. He dedicated decades of his life to working for the local TV station, but he didn't stop there. Alongside his full-time job, he built a thriving freelance career in cinematography, working on everything from local advertisements to projects in the film industry. His ability to balance multiple pursuits while excelling in each taught me the value of hard work, creativity, and seizing opportunities.
"The Law" & "Economic Sophisms" both by Frederic Bastiat
"Two Treatises of Government" by John Locke
Dedication to Public Service: Prioritizing the well-being and interests of the community above personal gain, and working tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of constituents.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions, being open to scrutiny and feedback, and striving to rectify mistakes or shortcomings.
Respect for Individual Rights: Recognizing and upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms of every individual, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, without discrimination or infringement.
Commitment to Collaboration: Working collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders, and diverse communities to find common ground, build consensus, and achieve mutually beneficial goals.
Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrating understanding, empathy, and compassion towards the challenges and struggles faced by others, and making decisions with consideration for their impact on individuals and communities.
Furthermore, my commitment to service is unwavering. Whether in my professional endeavors or personal life, I prioritize the needs of constituents and strive to address their concerns with empathy, integrity, and diligence. I believe in the power of servant leadership and am dedicated to making a positive impact in my community.
Adaptability is another key attribute that has shaped my journey. Throughout my life, I have encountered various circumstances that required resilience and flexibility. I am adept at adjusting to changing environments, learning from new experiences, and finding creative solutions to complex issues. This ability to adapt and evolve is crucial in the dynamic landscape of public service.
Effective communication lies at the heart of my interactions with constituents and fellow policymakers. I excel in articulating my vision, listening to diverse perspectives, and engaging in respectful and transparent dialogue. I understand the importance of building trust, fostering collaboration, and conveying ideas persuasively to enact meaningful change.
Another essential responsibility is to legislate effectively, which entails crafting and passing laws that address pressing issues facing the state and its residents. This process requires careful consideration of the impact on individual rights, collaboration with fellow legislators, and a commitment to finding solutions that minimize government intervention and maximize personal autonomy.
Ensuring accountability and transparency in government operations is also paramount. State Representatives must uphold ethical standards, adhere to legal requirements, and make government processes accessible and understandable to the public.
Fiscal stewardship is another key responsibility, as State Representatives are entrusted with managing public funds responsibly while minimizing the burden on taxpayers. This includes overseeing budget allocations, prioritizing spending that protects individual property rights and promotes economic freedom, and advocating for policies that foster a competitive and prosperous business environment.
This was before the era of social media, so the news spread through word of mouth and traditional media sources. After class, I went to my job at a pizza restaurant and found the atmosphere eerily subdued. Business was slow, as people were glued to their televisions, trying to comprehend the magnitude of what had happened.
I remember the surreal moment when we heard the sound of jets approaching. It was Air Force One being escorted by fighter jets to Barksdale Air Force Base nearby. Curious and perhaps a bit foolish in our youth, my friends and I drove to the base to see what was happening. As we approached, we encountered armored vehicles, armed service members, and sandbag emplacements guarding the perimeter. The show of force left a profound impact on me, driving home the reality that the world was forever changed.
Firstly, there should be open communication channels between the governor and legislators to facilitate the exchange of ideas, priorities, and concerns. This communication fosters understanding and enables constructive dialogue on key issues facing the state.
Additionally, while collaboration is important, it's equally crucial to maintain a system of checks and balances. The legislature should act as a check on the executive branch, ensuring accountability and preventing the concentration of power in one entity. This oversight role helps safeguard against abuses of authority and promotes transparency in government operations.
Arkansas faces the pressing need to address our reliance on federal funding, which poses significant risks to our individual freedoms, economic self-determination, and state sovereignty. This dependence can compromise our autonomy and leave us vulnerable to the whims of unpredictable federal policies and mandates. Moreover, as the federal government continues its unsustainable spending practices, we are confronted with the moral hazard of perpetuating fiscal irresponsibility and burdening future generations with insurmountable debt.
Furthermore, our state's ability to chart its own course and prioritize the needs of our citizens is compromised by federal overreach and interference. Whether it's education policies dictated from Washington, healthcare regulations that hinder local innovation, or infrastructure funding tied to federal agendas, our capacity for self-governance is undermined.
Moreover, the mishandling of our border and immigration, coupled with issues such as human trafficking and narco-terrorism, underscores the dangers of federal mismanagement and neglect of critical responsibilities. The erosion of state sovereignty and the failure to secure our borders not only threaten our security but also exacerbate social and economic challenges within our communities.
We discussed the role of Purdue Pharmaceuticals in marketing opioids like OxyContin as non addictive, leading to widespread addiction and loss of life. It was disheartening to realize how regulatory corruption and failed policy had both fueled the crisis, and subsequently pushed individuals in genuine need of pain relief towards illicit means of obtaining medication.
Our conversation extended to the broader implications of the war on drugs and the creation of lucrative black markets, perpetuating cycles of addiction and harm. Despite the subsequent legal actions and settlements, including substantial sums paid by pharmaceutical companies to states, this grieving mother emphasized that she never saw so much as a dime, but even if she had, no amount of compensation could ever fill the void left by her daughter's absence.
This scenario creates a perverse incentive structure where those in power may be incentivized to exaggerate or fabricate crises to consolidate their authority and suppress dissent. Such abuses of emergency powers not only erode public trust but also subvert the principles of democracy, rule of law, and individual liberties.
Moreover, the normalization of emergency measures can lead to a dangerous erosion of constitutional norms and separation of powers, concentrating power in the hands of the executive and undermining the role of the legislative and judicial branches in checks and balances.
The moral hazard of unchecked emergency powers extends beyond the immediate crisis, as it sets a precedent for future administrations to exploit similar tactics for political gain or authoritarian control. This undermines the very essence of democratic governance, where the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights should always prevail over expediency or authoritarian impulses.
The homestead tax credit serves as a vital mechanism for easing the burden on homeowners and promoting housing affordability, particularly for low and middle-income families. By expanding the scope and magnitude of this credit, we can provide meaningful financial relief to a broader segment of the population, helping to stabilize communities and support homeownership.
Furthermore, tying the homestead tax credit to inflation ensures that its benefits keep pace with the rising costs of living over time, effectively preserving its value and effectiveness in mitigating property tax burdens for homeowners. This proactive approach to maintaining the purchasing power of the tax credit reflects a commitment to long-term fiscal responsibility and equitable tax policy.
Education Committee - Given my emphasis on education opportunities and job skills training, the Education Committee would be relevant. I could contribute to shaping policies aimed at empowering students with practical skills and promoting alternative education models that prioritize individual empowerment.
Judiciary Committee - As a supporter of individual freedoms and government transparency, I might find the Judiciary Committee appealing. This committee addresses legal and constitutional matters, offering a platform for me to advocate for civil liberties, criminal justice reform, and ensuring accountability in the legal system.
Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee - This committee focuses on public health, welfare, and labor issues, including healthcare delivery and workforce development. My commitment to affordable healthcare and robust job skills training aligns with the objectives of this committee, providing opportunities to address these critical areas.
Government accountability goes hand in hand with financial transparency. It involves elected officials and public servants being held responsible for their actions and decisions, particularly concerning the management of public resources. Accountability mechanisms, such as audits, oversight committees, and whistleblower protections, help ensure that government officials are answerable to the people they serve. When individuals in positions of authority know that their actions will be scrutinized and that there are consequences for misconduct or negligence, they are more likely to act in the public interest and uphold ethical standards.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
Michael White did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
White's campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Less Taxes. Less Government. More Freedom.
At the base of our political pyramid should lay a foundation of trust in our public officials. The offices we hold are meant to be servant positions for the interests of the public, not nesting beds of backroom dealings, corporate welfare, crony capitalism, and the conflicts of interest which arise therefrom. Term Limit Legislation In addition to signing a “Term Limit Pledge” upon taking office, Michael will introduce Term Limit Legislation. Likewise, Michael supports and promotes educating the public on an Article V Convention Of States to enact a Term Limits Amendment should Washington fail to listen to the people. The highest offices of our country are meant for service, not for the personal security of the officeholder.
Too often in recent years, we have seen these “career politicians” becoming wealthy off the pain and suffering of regular working Americans. Ownership therefore of shares in public companies by Congress is a moral hazard that we can no longer allow to stand. Non-Compete Against America Act Michael’s “Non-Compete Against America Act” would require 3 things:
It is time that we as a country finally admit the “war on drugs” has been a failure. Treating a “mental health issue” as a “criminal justice issue” is not only a wholly inefficient use of limited law enforcement resources, it is also a policy that over the past 50+ years has simply not worked. The goal should be to reduce, and over time, eliminate the prosecution of nonviolent, victimless drug crimes while seeking to create a society that treats addiction at its root cause by medical professionals, not by police actions or criminal prosecutions. Abolish The Controlled Substances Act Local and state governments have very little liberty to decide and create their own drug policies so long as this federal law remains overhead as a constant looming threat of federal intervention at the hands of obsolete “scheduling”. Likewise, scientific research into a number of medicines that may prove ACTUAL CURES for our mental health epidemic is stifled. In summary, the act is obsolete, overly restrictive, and fails to allow for new science. It needs to go! Refocus Roles HHS & DEA We would be incredibly myopic to abolish the CSA and not backstop such action with smart reallocation of resources to “safe use and distribution sites” for the currently addicted. With a combined budget of nearly $135 Billion, we have enough resources via HHS and DEA to refocus the roles of these agencies toward this new vision. Destroy The Revenue Streams Of Narco-Terrorism & Street Gangs A comprehensive national drug policy that seeks to transition our nation’s addicts from the alleyways into the medical clinics, combined with an effort to “price out” Narco-Terrorists and street gang activity with “free supply and treat clinics”, will put all of these violent gangs out of business – increasing safety for all Americans. “A Commentary On Agriculture & Local Independence” Medicines grown from the Earth should have no greater restrictions than any other agricultural crop. Let our farmers be farmers, our citizens be citizens, our state, county, and city leaders be leaders of those communities and make local policy and laws they deem so fit to serve their localities. As your Congressman, Michael will usher in a new era, a renewed era, whereby your rights to govern your mental health and well-being will have their centers of power relocated to your local community.
“America is a product, one that people want, one that people will pay for.” – Michael White As a Libertarian Michael believes that people should be able to travel freely as long as they are peaceful, and as such he welcomes immigrants who come seeking a better life. The vast majority of immigrants are very peaceful and highly productive. The United States is a country of immigrants, of all backgrounds and walks of life…some families have just been here for more generations than others. Newcomers bring great vitality to our society. Of course, if someone has a record of violence, credible plans for violence, or acts violently, then Michael supports blocking their entry, deporting, and/or prosecuting and imprisoning them, depending on the offense. Because of this, vetting and documentation measures are necessary parts of a fair, reasonable, and accessible immigration system. Fair Immigration Reform should balance three truths
“Pay To Enter” And “Pay To Stay” The average cost an undocumented migrant pays to be smuggled into this country runs between $5000.00 and $15000.00. This desperate act funds criminal enterprise, human trafficking, and Narco-Terrorism. We can eliminate this process and choke out the revenue streams that allow these human smugglers to flourish, all while promoting legal and safe immigration in a manner that promotes liberty and OVERLY funds our agencies.
Considering by best estimates there may be upwards of 12 Million undocumented individuals in America, had this program been in place through recent history, our immigration agencies may have been funded upwards of $200+ billion at ZERO taxpayer expense. Given the annual budget for ICE is roughly $8 billion per year we can wholly fund the agency and others over and above current appropriations with these measures while increasing domestic security and growing the nation’s tax and labor base. “Build a Wall...Around Welfare” We create a moral hazard when we promote already burdened, unfunded, government programs to new potential citizens during their immigration process. It is not only easier and vastly cheaper to “Build a wall” around social welfare programs than it is to build a physical border wall, it also prevents any incentives other than wanting to work, start a family, and assimilate into America from the equation. Additionally, building legislative “walls” around these programs, as opposed to a physical border wall, does not require constant strain on the national budget for maintenance, upkeep, etc. – not to mention initial construction costs themselves. “A Commentary On Border Safety” Republican and Democrat representatives fail to realize violence at our border regions is the result of SYSTEMIC issues. Playing “whack a mole” with every violent group or issue is a doomed policy. Narco-Terrorism, drug profiteering, and human/sex trafficking ALL contribute to the dangerous situation our border cities find themselves in. Only by universally tackling ALL of these issues simultaneously – as in by cutting off the profit streams to these terror organizations, and removing the incentives these terrorists rely upon, can we achieve the security Americans rightfully demand. Therefore, it is not solely our immigration policy that solves these issues, but it is in combination with drug policy and criminal justice reforms that will ultimately prove successful. Michael is the only candidate who appears to understand this, whilst also promoting a comprehensive platform that can actually achieve these results.
The Constitution is clear. Firearm ownership is a sacred, individual right. The right to “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness” is null without the ability to defend oneself or their family. Additionally, an armed and trained population is a key pillar of the National Defense of our Republic. Because of this, Michael is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment. Michael not only wishes to preserve it… he wishes to strengthen it. National Constitutional Carry & Firearm Commerce Protection Law Far too many states and municipalities have undermined the Constitution at every step they can by making it difficult, cumbersome, and in some cases impossible for their citizens to own and possess firearms. In Michael’s opinion, this is a grave constitutional violation, and the message sent should be clear. A National Constitutional Carry Law will re-enforce the Second Amendment, providing clear language on “shall issue” permit requirements and outline judicial recourse for citizens being denied their constitutional rights. Repeal & Replace The NFA (National Firearms Act) Murder and assault are already illegal in every square inch of this country. These are “umbrella laws” which encompass ALL violent crime, not just “gun crime”. Therefore, the NFA is outdated, bloated, gives far too much oversight to unelected officials, and essentially functions as nothing more than a tax collection system on the American public. It needs to be repealed and replaced with legislation strengthening the rights of individuals to own and possess a wide variety of firearms.
Our criminal justice system fails to serve the public successfully for a number of reasons. They are: 1) A great many things we consider to be crimes are not. The label of “crime”, and thus enforcement and prosecution, should be reserved to actions of damage, force, violence, or fraud/theft against another individual or group. When we eliminate “victimless crimes” such as possession of marijuana, we free up our law enforcement and court resources to prevent, solve, and prosecute crimes of violence and property. 2) Our justice system currently sets up former inmates for failure. When someone is released from prison, the goal is for them to find a steady job, stable living situation, and avoid criminal activity. A penal system that exists to simply incarcerate and punish and does not actually attempt to be, or actually be, answerable to recidivism rates is doomed to failure. 3) Most of our county and city jails are filled with poor people. Our bail system essentially allows those with resources to bond out of holding, while those, regardless of crime, but victims of their financial circumstances, are relegated to lock up awaiting trial. This is wholly inefficient and unjust. Our local jails should be utilized for holding the most violent and dangerous criminals while awaiting prosecution. Ending the “War on Drugs” Please see the sections above on eliminating revenue streams that fuel Narco-Terrorism and street gangs, as well as CSA (Controlled Substances Act) reform. We should as a society be willing to engage in this experiment. Moving addiction from the criminal justice arena into a public health emergency arena, with legalized, free, medically supervised distribution to addicts, will absolutely SOLVE this issue. We have a real opportunity to take the monetary causes of violent crime (i.e. drug profits) out of society, thus ending the VAST majority of it once and for all! Federal Legislation On “For-Profit Prisons” Michael normally supports private industry answering public problems, however, under the current system the “for-profit prison industry” has become perhaps the single largest moral hazard of all. If one cannot see the issue with victimless drug policies, supplying guaranteed profits, for contract incarceration companies, then one is not looking. Michael will seek federal legislation limiting licensing for these institutions to a “recidivism reduction” measure. If the public is not being given reformed and well-functioning individuals out of these institutions, they should go out of business. Such a policy would create incentives for these corporations to be in cooperation with the public on reducing future crime, as opposed to profiting from increased current crime. Repealing “Mandatory Sentencing” A Number of state and local laws throughout our Republic mirror Federal laws and sentencing guidelines. Local judges, elected by local citizens, know best their populations, the concerns of them, and likewise should be given more discretion in their choices from the bench. When the Federal government imposes anything on local populations, it does so with a certain hubris. Local communities should have full autonomy over as many decisions as possible. Bail Reform Given that every local community has limited resources and limited local beds to house inmates awaiting trial, Michael seeks to enact legislation that utilizes those beds to house the most violent and dangerous criminals as opposed to a largely “pay to leave” or “don’t pay and stay” structure we see today. Given the rise of a number of technologies such as GPS tracking and the like, we can create a safer fairer system if we use our county and city jails for their intended purposes – to keep the public safe from the most dangerous of offenders as opposed to being holding centers of the poor and disenfranchised. “Non-Violent Offender Releases” With nearly two million people behind bars at any given time, the US has the distinction of holding the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. This does not align with being the “Land of the Free”. Spending close to $200 Billion per year on incarcerations, we as a society are wasting valuable resources while pursuing failed mechanisms. A full release of nonviolent, victimless offenders, is therefore long overdue. We can do better and WILL.
We don’t have a revenue problem. We have a spending addiction, a “fraud, waste, and abuse” epidemic, a lack of oversight by our elected officials, and a federal debt load that if allowed to continue to grow threatens a significant currency crisis worldwide. “Triple Blind” Forensic Audit Of ALL Federal Agencies In 2017, a Michigan State University economist, found nearly $21 Trillion in unauthorized Department of Defense spending spanning a 17 year period. The answer to his shocking find? The DOD promised to “audit itself” – this is akin to grading one’s own homework – it doesn’t work. We are bound to find massive levels of waste at every level of government when we truly dig into it. For far too long the American people have been told by Democrats and Republicans, “we don’t have enough money.” Michael says, “before you tell another citizen such, we want to see the receipts!” As your Congressman, Michael’s “True Audit Act” will call for a “triple-blind” full forensic audit of ALL federal agency spending for the past two decades. We cannot fix our problems if we don’t know what we are working with! Annual Raises of “Standard Deductions” & “Personal Exemptions” & “FICA Floor” Annual raises of these amounts would cut taxes for everyone who pays them, and it would take the lowest-income Americans off the income tax rolls altogether. Furthermore, starting at the bottom with increased personal exemptions would spur economic demand. Additionally, a “FICA floor” (IE a “personal exemption” income amount below which FICA taxes aren’t collected) would allow Americans to keep and use more of their money now. “Track Back To Prosperity Act” (A 10 year measured approach to a Balanced Budget Amendment) A true goal is not just an aspiring statement. True goals have both the action and a deadline. Just as anything must be gradually changed to reduce systemic shock, so too must America be weaned off its addiction to the “borrow and spend” policies that threaten the very fabric of our Republic. Michael’s “Track Back To Prosperity Act” sets ten annual goalposts, and requires a legislative review of these on a “run rate” basis. Such a “run rate review policy” allows for incremental changes of financial policy if necessary and is flexible enough to allow room for allowances should unforeseen events or crises come to our shores. The end goal is within a decade to finally realize an Article V Convention Of States for a balanced federal budget amendment that spends within its means, is regularly independently audited to sniff out and prosecute abuse and waste and begins to actually service the national debt of our country. Simplify the Tax Code We can drastically reduce the size of the IRS (if not abolish it), simplify our terminology, and finally create a tax code that is fairer to the citizen and businesses while avoiding the constant hurdles and the legal minefield we place Americans in every filing season. A simpler tax code aligns itself with both liberty and equality. Allow for IMMEDIATE deductions of capital losses Should any American family lose large sums of money at the hands of bankers, politicians, and wall street recklessness, the ENTIRE amount of the loss should be allowed as an income deduction in the year in which it occurred – not just the “offsetting” of gains in the same year. As your Congressman, I will push to enact this change with vigor. When the US treasury itself is forced to answer with its bottom line when these asset bubbles pop, it dissuades and discourages the behaviors that cause them to form in the first place. Two Year 0% Corporate Tax Rate For New Entities For all new “S Corps” and “C Corps” a two-year 0% corporate tax rate with an income cap of $5M. Such would promote the creation of small businesses, especially minority-owned small businesses, that may have limited access to capital and a low appetite for risk. If we are as a country to truly believe “small business is the engine the of our economy” it is high time our tax code mirrors such beliefs. “Paid Paternity Leave Tax Incentives” A change to the US Tax Code and IRS Guidelines for employers which:
Example: XYZ Corporation typically pays a 21% rate on corporate incomes. Last year they reported $100k dollars in NET profits and paid a corporate tax of $21,000. Their only employee, Kris, was given 8 weeks of paid paternity leave. While on leave XYZ corp. was not required to withhold or fund payroll taxes on Kris’ weekly checks. Kris did not have to use vacation time. Kris collected the same weekly check amounts as usual, however, XYZ corp. had an instant savings of 15.3% on this payroll amount. During the paid leave, XYZ Corp. paid out $8k to Kris yet gets to deduct against their gross income 1.6x that amount (-$12,800.00). The combined net savings to the company against the $8k in the salary paid was $6024.00. Meaning on a cash basis Kris’ paid leave only cost the company’s bottom line $1976.00! Additionally, because they show participation in the program their corporate rate was reduced to 18%! Saving an additional $3k to XYZ Corp. In Summary XYZ Corp. MADE money (Net After-Tax Income) by offering this leave to their employee for the welcoming of the new child Kris wished to take time away for! All of this was done WITHOUT government bloat or restrictive mandates on business! “Affordable Child Care Through Tax Incentives” A Change to the US Tax Code and IRS Guidelines for “Entities Licensed as Child Care Providers or the Like in their Respective State”, which:
On average such policies are estimated to reduce costs to parents by nearly 30-40% while also increasing the availability of care options, such as overnight and weekend care.
Competition To Lower Overall Insurance Costs Allow health insurance companies to compete across state lines while reducing the bars of entry for new insurers into the market. If we remove the moats and embargoes that protect insurance companies, we increase competition and drive premiums down. “Group Formation” Reform Allow any “group” of individuals or small businesses to form an insurance co-op for the sake of bargaining lower premiums. Employment relationship should no longer be the requirement or test for “group status”. Expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) Increase HSA “pre-tax paycheck deduction limits” for up to $12000.00 annually per individual and/or dependent and continue “in perpetuity” rollovers of these balances. Additionally, ELIMINATE the HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan) requirement for participation in HSA’s. Americans should not be discouraged from saving for their own healthcare costs, but rather encouraged to do so. Example: A working college graduate, Age 22, who contributes $500 per month “as a pre-tax paycheck deduction” into an HSA, may have in 10 years’ time, built a nest egg of nearly $60,000.00 they can lean on for unseen healthcare events via their HSA Debit card at Medical, Dental, And Optical offices. Reintroduce “Catastrophic Only” Plans These very low costs, monthly plans, that cover large unseen medical expenses only (such as expensive surgeries, vehicular accidents, etc.) should be an option for all Americans, increasing choice and liberty over medical decisions for individuals and families. “One size fit all” solutions ignore nuance and have no place in American healthcare discussions. Medical Sovereignty Legislation A person’s body is no property of any government, employer, or State. Legislation to protect Americans from forced medical procedures (experimental or otherwise), such as “vaccine mandates” etc must be enacted. Medicaid and Medicare to Health Debit Conversion Allow and promote the conversions of State and Federal Medicaid and Medicare funds to HDAs (Health Debit Accounts) providing a greater choice of doctors and services for those receiving. Allow “rollover” of these funds into HSAs upon employment for anyone receiving the program. This actively promotes and encourages recipients to consider costs of services saving taxpayers money while improving access to care. Example: It is a Sunday afternoon and a family receiving Medicaid has a child with an ear infection. As opposed to under the previous system, needing to visit an ER at a larger cost to the Medicaid fund and taxpayers, the family is able to take the child to any number of local urgent care clinics and pay “the cash patient” price (sometimes as low as only $25) from their HDA. This has three benefits:
The United States has relied far too heavily on military presence as the foundation of our foreign policy. For nearly 20 years we have been waging active wars in the middle east which have left our country deeply in debt and our service members exhausted. Additionally, these unending entanglements have caused another great failure on our part – the lack of adequate care for our returning Veterans. Yet, our foreign policy objectives mostly fail because our leaders refuse to realize one thing: how America is perceived. Imagine if a foreign country had a military base in Arkansas? How would you feel? How would such affect your view of that country? Furthermore, consider if a foreign nation was regularly conducting military operations in your city, sometimes resulting in the deaths of innocent loved ones. It is undeniable, that when we consider how we are perceived, we can not only improve our national defense, strengthen our foreign policy objectives, and provide the care our returning Veterans deserve, but we can do so without raising taxes or spending, all while bringing our military might where it should be… back here at home! “A Decade To Return Act” This legislation would set a ten-year timeline, with a “run rate” legislative review process, focused on the goal of returning service members and military assets back to US soil. Doing so is estimated to save a significant portion of our current $700+ Billion defense budget. Additionally, having service members live and work domestically means they spend their money here- supporting local business and improving local economies. Furthermore, a “US Based” defense initiative provides a higher quality of life for our service members; allowing them to live, work, and forge strong families and ties right here, right now. A “Rewards” Based Defense Contract System The acquisition of defense contracts, and likewise, the lobbying efforts behind them, have left our military spending a hotbed for corruption. Moving to a “reward for solution” system, as opposed to a “pay to work on it” system, could remedy a number of these ethical hazards. For instance, in the realm of “Missile Defense” nearly $100 Billion dollars was given to a number of companies that failed to supply a working solution for nearly 17 years. A more efficient use of taxpayer funds would have been to offer a $25 Billion reward for the first company to build and prove a working solution! Competition drives efficiency and innovation. Direct Mental Health Appropriations To Veterans It is time Veteran spending is allocated to a “results-based” focus. No one is more qualified to measure “results” than the Veteran themselves. Therefore, I would seek to create an option of funding from central power directly to Veterans Benefit Debit Accounts (VBDAs). These amounts could be spent directly by any Veteran on treatment options of their choosing. This would have three key benefits:
Immediately Reopen the Keystone XL and Others An immediate re-opening of these pipelines is essential. We must create, promote, and ensure a strong national oil transportation system. Create an open system of bidding of leasing on Federal Lands Federal land is a misnomer. These lands belong to the people, and we the people are suffering. Promoting the safe and clean drilling for oil on these properties will increase supply and drive down energy costs. Remove The Regulatory Hurdles To Safe Nuclear Power Technologies such as “Molten Salt Reactors” and “Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors” offer us the promise of grid power costs nearly so low some have called it “too cheap to meter”. These safe, “disaster-proof” reactors are a viable option to provide grid power needed for the 21st-century high-tech world. For too long government policies and regulations regarding the research of these solutions have stood in the way of progress. As a result, Americans continue to have increased utility costs and live with an aging power grid that is failing more and more by the day.
By reducing regulations and creating a simplified tax code that favors builders of multi-family and low-cost residential housing we can drive housing costs down. Lower Construction Costs By “Front Loading” depreciation costs in a simplified tax code, we can help builders realize these tax benefits immediately, thus increasing home construction and supply, driving down costs. Tiny Houses Removing Restrictions On Mortgages And Building Codes On “Tiny Houses”. Multi-Family Communities Focus on and provide incentives via deregulation and common-sense tax reforms to reward the construction of affordable multi-family communities. Transition Spaces for Homeless Allow bidding of corporate naming rights on public lands to fund low-cost, safe transition spaces for the homeless. Homeless Shelters Use a simplified corporate tax structure that promotes corporations and small businesses to invest in local shelters and health centers for our nation’s homeless population.
The unprecedented levels of Inflation we see are the result of reckless monetary printing by our central bank, The Federal Reserve. Inflation affects all Americans but impacts the poor and working-class the most. Inflation is a “hidden tax” and as such is perhaps the most “sinister” of taxes – as it is a tax we cannot vote for or against. We can solve inflation and the supply chain breakdowns that accompany it by immediately implementing the following measures: “Track Back To Prosperity Act” Passing Michael’s “Track Back To Prosperity Act”, sending a clear message to world markets of a strengthening US Dollar, thus driving down commodity prices in US Dollar terms. Increase Distribution Reducing regulations on ports, trucking, and rail – removing any and all government hurdles on the distribution of goods and services Promote Production Reduce taxes and regulations on farmers and other food producers immediately through a simplified tax code. Increase Agricultural Capital Reduce regulations on agricultural loans and mortgages spurring further agricultural development. Reduce Inflation A return to sound monetary policy, beginning with a complete Audit of the Federal Reserve, and a possible end of this overreaching private institution that is the root cause of inflation.[2] |
” |
| —Michael White's campaign website (2022)[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 27, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Michael White For Liberty, “Issues,” accessed March 25, 2022
