JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon has been very clear about his opposition to the legislature’s latest tax cut proposal, Senate Bill 509.
Despite a barnstorming trail around the state, Nixon has yet to say whether or not he would veto the bill. If he does, Republicans in the legislature would have to fully unite and pull support from one House Democrat in order to override his action.
But is there an easier way?
Quietly on Wednesday, Senate Republicans began to push another idea. Meet Senate Bill 858, sponsored by Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee’s Summit. The bill was passed out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee on April 10, and was placed on the Senate calendar on Wednesday.
The $1 billion tax cut would reduce taxes on the top rate from 6.5 percent to 5 percent, and give a 50 percent deduction to businesses. The tax cut would be phased in over a decade.
What sets the bill apart from SB 509 and last year’s controversial House Bill 253, Senate Bill 858 would go directly to the voters. Republican leadership staff in both chambers believe they could have the votes to get the bill on the ballot if needed, but are waiting to see how the situation plays out with SB 509.