JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives’ newly established special committee, originally tasked with reviewing earnings taxes in the state, has been given an additional responsibility: the evaluation of Missouri’s policies concerning personal property taxes.
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher unveiled the creation of the Special Interim Committee on the Earnings Tax in August. Today, he expands the committee’s mandate to encompass the examination of personal property tax policies.
Speaker Plocher emphasized the importance of returning funds to Missouri taxpayers, echoing his sentiments from the commencement of the 2023 legislative session. He stated, “Lower taxes transcend mere financial calculations; they epitomize the principles of self-determination and the pursuit of prosperity. Our constituents are the best stewards of their money, and I trust this committee to rigorously assess our personal property tax policies and make recommendations to ensure equitable tax contributions for all.”
Reducing the tax burden on Missouri’s citizens has remained a top priority for Plocher since taking office. This year, the Missouri General Assembly took steps to alleviate this burden for the state’s senior citizens by passing SB 190, a tax relief measure aimed at eliminating state income tax on social security benefits and freezing property taxes for seniors.
In broadening the committee’s scope, Speaker Plocher reiterated that by lightening the state’s tax load on its citizens, Missouri could enhance its competitiveness in workforce recruitment, support business growth, stimulate local economies, and create expanded opportunities for all residents.
“In our society, we must acknowledge that the reduction of tax burdens and the lowering of personal property taxes extend beyond economic policy; they reflect our dedication to individual liberty and economic empowerment. By relieving our citizens of undue tax burdens, we unlock their potential to innovate, invest, and foster opportunities for themselves and their communities. It is time to enable our people to retain more of their earnings, as doing so will lead to a more robust, dynamic, and resilient Missouri for all its residents.”
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher, a Republican, represents part of St. Louis County (District 89) in the Missouri House of Representatives. The district includes the municipalities of Chesterfield, Country Life Acres, Crystal Lake Park, Des Peres, Frontenac, Huntleigh, Kirkwood, Ladue and Town & Country. Rep. Plocher was elected in a Special Election in November 2015.