JEFFERSON CITY – In his opening address, Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, stated one major priority to this legislative session is reforming Missouri’s tax policy. Important legislation on this issue will be heard in the next two weeks in the Senate Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit.

The committee will spend the first week discussing certain bills.  The second week will allow open public testimony on tax issues.

“Our neighboring states and other growing states are revising their tax policy to attract residents and business,” said Sen. Kraus.  “We need to have a serious discussion about our tax policies, our reliance on certain taxes and how we could improve our blend of taxes to be more competitive.”

Senate Leader Dempsey said the Senate needs to create long-term solutions to the tax code that will encourage investment in the state. 

“We need to remove barriers so business owners can have the tools they need to succeed in the Show-Me State,” said Sen. Dempsey.  “One of our top priorities this year is reforming the income tax burden on hard-working Missourians.”

Sponsors will introduce three bills to the committee on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 8 a.m. After their introductions, the committee will hear public testimony specific to those bills. The following Thursday, Jan. 31, the committee will hear open public testimony.

The public is invited to comment on tax policy.  Written comments can be turned into the Chairman Sen. Will Kraus via email at taxpolicy@senate.mo.gov. 

To learn more about this issue or to track measures through the legislative process, visit www.senate.mo.gov.