← Iowa Caucus 2012: The Candidates’ Positions on the 4 Main Issues

Rick Perry

By Derek T. Dingle | Published December 21, 2011 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

Job Creation: Rick Perry’s jobs plan calls for lower taxes, balancing the federal budget and opening American energy fields to expand energy exploration and development. Housing: Perry would privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which he says were at the “heart” of the nation’s economic meltdown and gave false hope to homebuyers. Tax Reform: Perry’s "Cut, Balance and Grow" plan would allow taxpayers to opt to pay a 20% flat tax rate and deduct mortgage interest and charitable donations, cut corporate tax rate to 20% and eliminate the estate tax. Government Spending: As president, Perry would cap government spending at 18% of GDP and calls for a balanced budget by 2020. Any new spending would require cuts in other areas. He also would eliminate the departments of Education, Energy and Commerce.

Job Creation: Rick Perry’s jobs plan calls for lower taxes, balancing the federal budget and…

Rick Perry