Missouri Voters Reject Income Tax Elimination—Breaking With GOP Tax Trend
Summary
Missouri voters rejected Amendment 5, which would have slowly eliminated the state’s individual income tax. They also rejected Amendment 4, which would have made it harder for citizens to change the state constitution.Key Facts
- Amendment 5 aimed to phase out Missouri’s individual income tax, which can be as high as 4.7% for top earners.
- The amendments would have allowed lawmakers to increase sales and other taxes to replace lost income tax revenue.
- Voters defeated Amendment 5 by 83% to 17% and Amendment 4 by 80% to 20%.
- Missouri’s income tax generates over $9 billion a year, making up about two-thirds of the state’s general fund.
- Opponents feared the amendments would cause budget problems and benefit wealthier residents.
- Governor Mike Kehoe, a supporter of the amendments, said efforts to cut taxes will continue despite the defeat.
- Unlike many states where lawmakers change tax laws, Missouri voters were directly asked to decide on these tax changes.
- The vote breaks with the trend in many GOP-led states that are lowering income taxes.
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