JEFFERSON CITY — Today (1-13), in the State Capitol, members of the House minority filed House Bill 1328, a bill which would raise taxes on many Missourians and fail to give any relief to millions of mid-level income taxpayers. The bill would lower tax rates to 4 percent for those making under $30,000, keep taxes the same for those making $30,000 – $300,000, and raise the tax rate to 8 percent for those making more than $300,000. Senator Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit, as a staunch steward of Missourians’ tax dollars, does not believe in the efficacy of this legislation.

“HB 1328 is simply bad tax policy,” said Sen. Kraus. “It raises taxes on small businesses and small business owners, the very people we need to create more jobs in Missouri.”

Senator Kraus has been a longtime proponent of an across-the-board tax rate cut that offers tax relief for all Missourians who pay taxes. Missouri’s individual income tax is only the 27th lowest in the nation.  Most small businesses, including LLCs and S-Corps, pay taxes at the individual rate.

“By completely ignoring middle income Missourians, this bill sets a bad precedent,” said Sen. Kraus.  “The message is that if you are working hard and succeeding, you don’t deserve a tax cut.”

Senator Kraus has consistently questioned the use of taxes and tax credits to pick winners and losers during his time in the General Assembly.

“I find it ironic that the bill sponsor and many of his House minority colleagues voted for a tax break for one Missouri company, but won’t cut taxes for their constituents,” said Sen. Kraus.  “It makes me wonder who they really represent.”

For more information in this topic or any of Sen. Kraus’ sponsored legislation, please visit www.senate.mo.gov/kraus.