Missouri Eagle Forum Action Alert #1
America Turns 250 and Taxation is On the Table!
In Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe and state lawmakers are in the early stages of an important conversation: how much of our hard-earned money does the State of Missouri need to operate? The current tax code takes way too much money, which stifles risk-taking, innovation, and job creation. Plus, it treats honest citizens with suspicion.
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, the Boston Tea Party and why colonists wanted to break from England is relevant. Do we need to throw out our tax code and start over? What is the right way to raise revenue? Who should be taxed and how? Is the purpose of taxation to punish success or to fund the government?
Eagle Forum has consistently played a pivotal role in defining the issues and helping to educate lawmakers at both the federal and state levels about tax policy. Memorably, we advocated for reducing the “marriage penalty” at the federal level. Marriage should not be penalized and that benefit was signed into law at the beginning of this century.
Missouri taxpayers need to review the proposed tax plans. Some of the options are to reduce or eliminate property taxes, switch from income tax to a sales tax, or employ a flat tax. Just like the colonists, we have the right in this nation to say how we want to be taxed.
Here are the tests to consider when reviewing tax proposals:
- Is it fair?
- Is it low?
- Is it simple?
- Is it honest?
- Is it in keeping with our pro-family Missouri values?
Over 250 bills have been introduced in the Missouri State House and Senate that include the word “taxes.” Speaker Patterson’s bill has traction for the simple reason that the Speaker has the most powerful role. Speaker Patterson’s proposal will ask Missouri voters whether or not to eliminate our state income tax and replace it with a sales tax. If his measure passes on the ballot, then the Assembly will draft and pass specific legislation. He is creating his own tea party on the ballot and then turning the work back to the legislature.
As his and other bills make their way through the assembly, we want to hear from you! Please share your view of the current tax reform options, and let us know what you think!
We will send you regular action alerts from the Missouri Capitol as we collaborate with legislators to ensure that tax policy is viewed through the simple prism of simple, low, fair, honest, and in keeping with our Missouri values.
This tea party brewing in Missouri should reflect our values.
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Warm regards,
Anne Schlafly
Chairman, Eagle Forum
Missouri Eagle Forum 