National Taxpayers Union on Tuesday announced the launch of a new advertising campaign highlighting Missouri’s historic opportunity to responsibly phase out its individual income tax and modernize its outdated tax system.
The announcement came after the Missouri House of Representatives on Tuesday gave initial approval to putting tax reform on the ballot in the fall. It will stand for one more vote on Thursday in the House, and, if approved, go to the Senate for consideration.
The digital and outdoor billboard advertising campaign urges Missouri residents to visit no-mo-tax.com to tell their legislator it’s past time to update the state’s depression-era tax code.
“Income tax elimination matters because it lets working Missourians keep more of what they earn,” said Senior Vice President of State Affairs Leah Vukmir. “Income taxes come straight out of paychecks, before families ever have a chance to save, spend, or plan. When someone works overtime, takes a second job, or finally gets a raise, the state takes a cut first. Eliminating the income tax sends a simple message: Missouri values work and effort, and success won’t be punished.”
Vukmir is a former Wisconsin State Senator who testified in favor of tax reform to the Missouri House Committee on Commerce earlier this year. Vukmir pointed to neighboring Iowa’s successful income tax reform that used phased reductions over multiple years, clear triggers tied to revenue performance, and spending discipline. The law successfully provided new predictability for taxpayers and businesses.
Missouri’s state sales tax system also needs an overhaul, with 216 sales-tax exemptions, more than 2,526 separate sales-tax jurisdictions, and decades of carveouts secured by interests seeking special treatment.
“This is not the time for another temporary patch,” Vukmir said. “Missouri taxpayers deserve a true structural fix.”
With a modernized tax system that features a broad base and low rates overall, Missouri stands to attract new residents from surrounding regions, especially Illinois.
“We know Springfield isn’t thinking about cutting taxes any time soon, so Jefferson City should take advantage of this prime opportunity to increase revenue to its treasury by enticing people to move across state lines,” Vukmir said.
A new billboard paid for by National Taxpayers Union highlights the movement to responsibly phase out Missouri income taxes on westbound I-64 crossing the Mississippi River on Poplar St. Bridge from Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri.
National Taxpayers Union is the only free-market organization for taxpayers that unites effective advocacy with useful research about how to limit taxes, spending, and regulation at every level and branch of government—state, federal, administrative, and judicial.