03/20/2026
Lots of discussion regarding the proposed reduction and elimination of the Missouri Individual Income Tax as represented by HCS HJR 173 & 174.
There is a lot of misunderstanding about what the bill does or does not do. Many inaccurate points are spread among groups, and people are making decisions based on this misinformation rather than the facts, using a well-worn approach that seeks to make it an emotional appeal rather than a factual one.
This link gives you access to three files that provide straight-up answers from the bill. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ofwcwlhya9twmsfb8wos6/AEE2yA8S3xCLluKCrHTYa7U?rlkey=5x7tqjmxs7ppd2veodc00zed5&st=vn8wnx30&dl=0
One is a layman's summary of what each section actually does, going section by section, line by line. In some cases, the lines are explained as needed, and in a couple of areas, suggested revisions are identified that the Senate should make.
Another file provides the key takeaways on what the bill does or does not do.
And the third file is a Q&A.
These files are straight up with no emotion. Some may not agree with what is said or described, but the information is accurate.
There are reasons people will vote against the bill, and they will hopefully be based on their assessment of its impact, not on what they have "heard" or "read" that may be inaccurate.
Opponents of the bill claim that they are attacked for their opposition by people like me. That's false. I have only responded to misinformation. When they run out of reasons, they default to "who's paying you?" or "you don't even live here!"
For the record, no one is paying me to do any of this. This has long been something I have supported for well over 20 years. When I was the Missouri House Budget Chair and Speaker Pro Tem, I supported similar measures.
As for not living in Missouri, that is true; I lived in Missouri for well over 80% of my life, 30 years of which were spent in elected office or grassroots activities. Most of my time out of the state was when I served in the Air Force, and now, I retired a few years ago to Florida. I have deep roots in Missouri. I have family and dear friends who I believe will benefit from adopting this measure.
If, after reading the information, you're still not convinced it's the right approach, that's what our system is all about: voters making their best judgment, being fully informed on the issues and candidates.
Shared with Dropbox
