Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, 22nd Senatorial District

Capitol Building, Rm. 334, Jefferson City, MO 65101

For Immediate Release: Feb. 21, 2023

Contact: Seth York , 573-751-1492

JEFFERSON CITY — Missourians would save money at the grocery store under an initiative sponsored by State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold.

Senate Bill 161, legislation to eliminate Missouri’s 1% Proposition C sales tax on food purchases and provide some relief for struggling Missouri families, was voted do pass on Feb. 20 by the Senate Economic Development and Tax Policy Committee. Senate Bill 161 must now be reported from committee before heading to the Senate floor for debate.

“Our tax policy should not be designed to hurt Missouri families who are struggling to get by, especially at a time when they are paying higher prices for everyday essentials,” said Sen. Coleman. “It’s time to provide Missourians with tax relief that will help them afford necessities like food for their families.”

Senator Coleman noted Missouri is one of only 13 states to impose a sales tax on food. A family of four in Missouri spends approximately $8,600 a year on groceries. The passage of SB 161 would save Missourians an estimated $144 million each year on grocery purchases and help offset the rising costs of inflation. 

For more information about Sen. Coleman and her legislative actions, please visit her official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Coleman.

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