Mississippi Senate: Take time to study state tax structure

Associated Press

4 years ago

Mississippi Senate Finance Committee Chairman Josh Harkins steps away after a presentation before the Senate Accountability Efficiency and Transparency Committee, earlier this session, March 2, 2021, at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. Harkins says he wants to see a thorough evaluation of a House bill that would make significant changes in the state tax structure. The bill is facing a deadline for Senate action on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Senate is again resisting House efforts to make big, quick changes to the state tax structure.

Senators have adopted a resolution to create a 14-member tax study committee that would meet later this year. But the House could kill this effort by the Senate. Republicans control the House and the Senate, so this is not a partisan fight.

In debate over the resolution Monday, Senate leaders said they are leery of making significant changes without public hearings. The House voted in February to phase out Mississippi’s income tax, cut the 7% grocery tax in half and increase several other taxes.