The Missouri House voted to abolish the state income tax and corporate tax in favor of raising the sales tax.
The bill would also scrap current tax exemptions like those for groceries to make up for the lost revenue.
Sponsor Ed Emery said the measure is a powerful economic tool and pointed to other states without an income tax as an example.
Actuality: EMERY.WAV |
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Description: "I think without exception Mr. Speaker each one of them is doing much better than most of their surrounding states and the other states of the union in terms of economic development, in terms of growth." |
The resolution faces one more vote in the House and Senate before going to the ballot for voter approval.
From the State Capitol, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.
Intro: The Missouri House voted to increase the sales tax in favor of scrapping the state income tax.
Under proposed Missouri House legislation, the state income tax and corporate taxes would be eliminated but the state income tax would rise from 4 point 2-2-5 to 5 point 1-1.
Supporters say changing the system will provide the same amount for the state budget, but Kansas City Democrat Trent Skaggs said he doesn't see how the numbers add up.
Actuality: SKAGGY.WAV |
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Description: "What's the chances of you being able to legitimately tell me that that .8 percent increase is going to generate $7 billion when at 4.225 percent it only generates $2.2 billion. |
The sponsor said that running the numbers shows it would generate the needed amount.
From Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Beitsch, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.