Missouri Senate Democrats are saying their top priority this legislative session is making life more affordable for Missourians.
Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck spoke with reporters at the Capitol on Thursday and said they’re hoping Gov. Mike Kehoe’s plan to gradually eliminate the state income tax includes no new taxes and no tax increases. Beck said affordability is key.
“It’s harder and harder for Missouri families to be able to afford living,” said Beck. “They’re struggling at the supermarket; they’re struggling with their prescriptions. Healthcare costs are going up because of Republican decisions across this country and in the state. And we’re hoping that he doesn’t propose new taxes on things that we currently don’t have taxes on and raising taxes.”
Beck continued his remarks and said this would be a tax plan and a tax increase on a whole section of people.
“People that currently don’t pay income tax would be taxed on all these new things,” said Beck. “Seniors that have worked their entire life and paid into the government and that they would now have all these new taxes that they didn’t have to pay.”
While Senate Republicans plan to work with Governor Mike Kehoe on eliminating Missouri’s income tax, they have another major priority this session.
Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, said the top issue for Republicans—and one communities keep bringing up—is the need for property tax relief.
“This session, our goal is to advance responsible, workable solutions that provide meaningful property tax relief to homeowners while balancing the needs to maintain local government services,” said Luetkemeyer.
Kehoe said he’ll outline plans to gradually eliminate Missouri’s income tax in his State of the State address on Tuesday, January 13th at 3pm.
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