Missouri’s General Assembly: Drunk on Tax Credits

Over the last few weeks I have shared my concerns regarding the spending practices in Jefferson City. Specifically, I am concerned with the "spend it because we have it" mentality that has taken over the appropriations process. The only issue that concerns me more than the excessive spending is the special treatment being given to special interests in our tax code. Specifically, allowing special companies to carve out special tax credits leaving Missouri’s working families holding the bag.

This year, we had a record number of tax credit programs introduced in the General Assembly. The vast majority of these proposals are driven by special interest groups wanting to take millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money and send it to a select few. One example of a special interest carve out that we are fighting to remove is a tax credit that pays hundreds of thousands of dollars to one company as an incentive to recycle even though it is already 50% cheaper to recycle their byproduct rather than send it to a landfill. This company has received millions of dollars of our tax money to do what is already in their best financial interest. As a result of special interest initiatives, we now have over 50 different tax credit programs in Missouri that have done nothing more than create a tax environment that is no longer fair nor reasonable.

I believe that allowing special interest to carve out special treatment in our tax code is wrong. Missouri’s working families should not be stuck paying the bills because big corporations or large campaign contributors don’t want to pay their fair share. I believe it is time to reform our tax code. We need tax policy that encourages growth and allows Missouri’s hard working families to keep as much of their own money as possible. This also means that our state government cannot continue to issue reckless tax credits that threaten our financial future by allowing a special few to benefit while the rest of us pay the price.

I believe strongly that we must reform our tax system and honestly evaluate the use and performance of Missouri’s current tax credits. If a tax credit has lost its value, then we need to eliminate it. If a tax credit is meeting its intended goal in helping foster our state’s prosperity, then we need to ensure that it is being delivered in a reasonable and responsible way. It is unacceptable for us to have a system that benefits a privileged few at the cost of the whole, and as long as I am elected, I am committed to fighting against this injustice.

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is [email protected] and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.