http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/nixon-again-slams-income-tax-proposal-supporters-call-governor-s-position-laughable_82514.mp3
Nixon also addressed his findings concerning the bill during stops in Kansas City, Columbia and Jefferson City. The Governor criticized a particular modification he believes would exempt those at the top of the tax bracket from paying income taxes altogether.
"Senate Bill 509 would force the outright elimination of the most basic services Missourians count on from their Government," said Nixon.
Passed by the General Assembly last week, the legislation would reduce the top personal income tax rate by 1/10 of a percent each year beginning in 2017. This would bring the tax rate from 6 percent to 5.5 percent, as long as the state's general revenue continues to grow. Supporters of SB 509 say that this will put more money into people's pockets.
Nixon, on the other hand, says the loss of the tax funding would reduce the state's general revenue by $4.8 billion annually, 65% of the general revenue budget. Furthermore, he said, this loss would impact schools the hardest, followed by mental health services and prisons.
"For the hope that somebody might get a few dollars, those are not the choices that have been made in this state since 1821. We are a low tax state built on fiscal discipline but also understand our deep responsibility,” said Nixon.
Nixon's concerns were confirmed by a tax expert at Washington University's School of Law, Cheryl Block, who performed an analysis of the bill earlier this week. But Missouri representatives who support the bill say Nixon's analysis is "laughable".
The bill has been debated on for over a year in the House, and Republican representative Elijah Haahr of Springfield said it has been looked over by the Office of Administration, the Department of Revenue and former Supreme Court judge, William Price.
"So the governor is kind-of on his own that this will basically eliminate $5 billion of revenue for the budget. I think the Governor is wrong and I think his numbers are wrong and I think the Office of Administration and the former Supreme Court judge are right," said Haahr.
Nixon is expected to veto Senate Bill 509 on Thursday.
For KSMU News, I'm Shannon Bowers