Subscribe
Shop Local
Magazine
Gas Prices
Today's Poll!Mo. leaders voice little interest in revenue-raising ideas
Missouri House Floor Minority Leader Mike Talboy, D-Kansas City, stands before fellow House Democrats as he addresses the media in the House lounge at the Capitol. Photo by Kris Wilson.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, told colleagues Wednesday “we must act, and do so swiftly to pass a balanced budget without a tax increase for the people of Missouri.”
At the same time Mayer was addressing the Senate on the Legislature’s opening day for the 2012 session, House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, told Missouri representatives: “We will force government to live within its means, balance the state budget, and hold the line on taxes, period.”
Even though state government is facing another budget hole estimated to be from $450 million to $500 million, neither Tilley nor Mayer sounded open to the idea of increasing state revenues, as some have urged.
Marry Me
Comments
TheRickster 1 year, 5 months ago
I read this whole thing and listened to them rant about tax cuts. Then say the govenor should be the one telling them where to get or cut the money from. They insist he should tell them. I can't wait for that to happen. I will bet the farm, if and when the govenor does,,they will not accept it or want to change it. Just another way to show our children how not to act. They are getting paid for a job,,,so do it!
gofish 1 year, 5 months ago
Reminds me of the ranting by "Professional" Wrestlers before a match. Let's see, in order to "force government to live within its means, balance the state budget, and hold the line on taxes” means you have to assume zero inflation and no decrease in tax revenue during a prolonged recession. Clearly, the Republicans live in a fantasy land that no one can live up to. But I guess it makes for good TV, right?
GhostofChesterton 1 year, 5 months ago
I would be more inclined to take the first two posts seriously if they forwarded a solution to the budget shortfall. But I think they know they can't. Taxing citizens and businesses more will actually reduce revenue because it will hinder economic growth. Companies are sitting on piles of cash because they know the feds are punishing growth of the bottom line. They are uncertain about the future, but hear the feds saying that greedy businesses are the problem and not the solution. I am not a business owner, but if I was, I would never expand my business in this kind of environment. There is no reward for the risk. Only punishment. So state government is coming up short because the feds are strangling the life out of businesses that pay employees who in turn pay taxes. Raising state taxes will only exacerbate the problem.
If the feds would ease up on taxation and regulation, I think then the state would have some leeway on our tax policy. But now we are damned if we do and damned if we don't.
Please review our Policies and Procedures before registering or commenting
Or login with:
OpenID