Jetton calls for passage of Social Security tax cuts

Intro: House Speaker Rod Jetton pushed for the passage of his Social Security tax cut bill Wednesday at a rally attended by Governor Matt Blunt and senior citizen groups. Cliff Ainsworth has more from the state Capitol. RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

House Speaker Rod Jetton said a bill to eliminate state taxes on Social Security would help keep Missouri senior citizens from retiring in other states.

His call to pass the measure came at a rally attended by Governor Matt Blunt and senior citizen advocacy groups.

Actuality: JETTONS3.WAV

Run Time: 00:12

Description: I just know too many seniors that have retired, and as soon as they retire, they move to Florida, Texas or one of these other states that treats them a lot better. Even Illinois doesn't tax pensions. And I'm tired of losing some of our most productive citizens.

Jetton said he will try to restore pension tax cuts for teachers and fire fighters that were removed from the bill Tuesday by a Senate committee.

From the state Capitol, I'm Cliff Ainsworth.

Intro: House Speaker Rod Jetton said Wednesday the passage of a Social Security tax cut bill would be the first step in completely eliminating Missouri's state income tax. Cliff Ainsworth has more from the Capitol. RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

House Speaker Rod Jetton pushed for the passage of a bill that would cut taxes on Social Security benefits.

Jetton also voiced his desire to end state income taxes at a rally attended by Governor Matt Blunt and senior citizen advocacy groups.

Actuality: JETTONS1.WAV

Run Time: 00:16

Description: I would love to get rid of all pension taxes. I'd like to get rid of the income tax. There's nine states that don't charge income taxes, and believe it or not, those nine states have the top 11 fastest growing economies in America. I'd like to Missouri on that list, and this is the first step to making that happen.

Jetton said he will try to restore pension tax cuts for teachers and fire fighters that were removed from the bill Tuesday by a Senate committee.

From the state Capitol, I'm Cliff Ainsworth.

Intro: Governor Matt Blunt and House Speaker Rod Jetton renewed their call for social security tax cuts Wednesday at a midday rally attended by senior citizen advocacy groups. Cliff Ainsworth has more from the state Capitol. RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Governor Matt Blunt said the debate over the Social Security tax cuts was only possible because of Missouri's recent economic growth and budget surplus.

Blunt criticized how the state currently taxes Social Security benefits.

The comment came in support of House Speaker Rod Jetton's one-hundred thirty-one million dollar proposal.

Actuality: BLUNTSS2.WAV

Run Time: 00:11

Description: It is more than just unfortunate that because of bad decisions made in the past, state government taxes our seniors' well-earned Social Security benefits. It is more than just unfortunate; it is wrong.

Critics of the measure say it is unnecesssary and will only benefit the wealthy.

From the state Capitol, I'm Cliff Ainsworth.