Governor Parson touts tax cuts in election day speech to Springfield Chamber of Commerce

In an election-day speech to the Springfield-Area Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Governor Mike Parson outlined his plans for tax cuts while labeling the pandemic "in the rearview."

The cornerstone of Parson's speech centered on his proposal to lower Missouri's income tax from 5.4 percent to 4.8 percent — calling it the largest tax cut in the state's history.

"With record inflation, historical high gas prices and rising food costs, we are proposing a permanent tax relief for all Missouri voters..." Parson said.

"When I first became Governor, it was 5.8 percent. We have cut your taxes twice. Since becoming Governor, we will make a 10 percent decrease in taxes in the state of Missouri. These increasing deductions and allowances for taxpayers simplify the overall tax code. These are things we've talked about for years and years and years."

Under Parson's plan, the first $16,000 in earned income for single filers and $32,000 for joint filers would not be taxed; there would be an overall reduction of the base income tax rate; increased deductions and allowances; fewer tax brackets; and "further simplifying" aspects of the state tax code.

"We have always been able to balance the budget. Now is the time to get back to Missouri and return some of their hard earned money to individuals," Parson said.

"While certain DC politicians want to raise your taxes, spend money the government doesn't have, we want to do things different here in Missouri. The government can't spend its way out of this inflation crisis here in Missouri. Thanks to years of constant conservative spending, we can return money back to Missourians' paychecks."

Last month Parson called for a special session of the state legislature to take up his tax cut proposal, which will likely take place in the next few months.

Asked by the News-Leader after his address, Parson said he expects his tax cuts to pass during the special session and to receive bipartisan support — calling the tax cuts "fundamentally for the working class."

"I would hope so. I would think everybody will support that. I mean, no matter which side of the aisle you're on. You're talking about helping seniors out here, taking care of probably some of the lowest income people, you're helping the everyday worker," Parson said.

Parson also touted Missouri's strong economy in the face of national inflation woes.

"Inflation continues to hit families hard here in Missouri and across the nation. And while politicians in DC continue exchanging hot air, in this state we're taking action and proposing solutions in Missouri," he said.

"Missouri's economy is strong. The state's general revenue is up 20 percent from last year, and revenues from sales and use taxes is up 13% over the last year, meaning consumer spending remains strong despite the national environment."

He also called Missouri's 2.8 percent unemployment rate an "all-time low."

He also said the COVID-19 crisis was "in the rearview mirror" for Missouri and that the goal of state government should shift away from a coronavirus focus to making "Missouri even a better place to live, work and raise a family and grow a business."

Speaking at MSU's campus, Parson pointed to the educational accomplishments of his administration — especially a recently passed bill raising the base pay of Missouri public school teachers from $25,000 to $38,000

"We can't offer our kids quality education without quality educators in Missouri classrooms. At the start of the year, we ranked dead last in the United States. Fiftieth in teacher pay in the United States..." Parson said.

"We expect these teachers to take care of our children, help raise them, educate them and have a tremendous amount of responsibility. Being the last in the nation in that category is not acceptable."

He also suggested Missouri could raise teacher pay further in the future, calling the current raise a "step forward."

Andrew Sullender is the local government reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow him on Twitter @andrewsullender. Email tips and story ideas to asullender@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Governor touts tax cuts in election day speech to Springfield Chamber