GOP Leadership Totally Against Tax Increases, Unless They Decided to Push "Fair Tax," New Internet Sales Taxes....
Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Senate President Charlie Shields and Speaker Ron Richard held a joint press conference at noon today to unveil an amazing new plan for Missouri's families. Specifically, they don't like reproductive rights, they like guns and they don't like taxes. Shocking stuff, I know.
But interestingly, the leaders' bold promise to not raise taxes seemed a little squishy when reporters asked the Speaker a few questions. They may or may not junk the state's income tax and replace it with a sales tax, which would increase the tax burden on middle-class families. And they might create brand new sales taxes for internet purchases.
Speaker Richard's response to questions about how their rhetoric may not match reality? "There is a question about that a little bit, but we'll just have to see." Here's video of the back and forth between Richard and reporters.
Check out the News-Leader, Post-Dispatch and Star for more on the press conference and how the GOP's actual legislation conflicts with their tough tax talk.
-------------------------------------
Video of the full press conference, in two parts:
