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Greitens unveils highlights of his tax plan, but holds off on full details

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens has released portions of his plan to cut taxes in Missouri.

Greitens said in a written statement Thursday afternoon that most of the details of his proposal will be laid out “in the coming weeks.” But the Republican governor has listed several goals, or “principles,” that make up the plan.

They include cutting taxes on residents and business owners, and closing loopholes used by “big businesses” and upper-income residents.

“For too long, our tax system has benefited special interests … our tax plan puts working families first,” he said. “We're simplifying the tax code so small shops can compete with big businesses. We’re cutting taxes on people that work hard so they can keep more money in their pocket. And we're doing it in a responsible, revenue-neutral way so we don't put our children in debt.”

Greitens added that anyone making more than $9,072 a year will get a tax cut, though the size of that cut was not disclosed. The plan also states that 380,000 low-income workers would see their state income taxes zeroed out.

“It’s the boldest state tax reform in America because it's tax reform for working families – not lobbyists and special interests,” Greitens said.

State Rep. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holt Summit, likes what he hears so far.

“I think as a state we can do a better job of closing loopholes that only benefit a small portion of Missouri, and (instead) close loopholes to give tax benefits to every Missourian,” he said.

Fitzwater is also sponsoring  a tax cut proposal that would lower the top state income tax rate on Missouri residents to 4.8 percent. The current rate tops out at 5.9 percent and is eventually set to drop to 5.5 percent. His bill would also cap tax credits at $425 million a year and would raise the fuel tax by 6 cents a gallon.

Republican senators Bill Eigel of Weldon Springs and Andrew Koenig of Manchester are sponsoring similar bills. Neither have commented yet on Greitens’ proposal.

House Democrats issued a statement, calling it long on promises and short on details.

“The governor’s vague promise ... sounds more like the desperation play of an administration in danger of collapsing from scandal than a serious policy proposal,” said House Minority Floor Leader Gail McCann Beatty, D-Kansas City. “Until Eric Greitens stops hiding and, in his own words, offers a full and detailed public denial of the allegations that he threatened his former mistress, Missourians won’t hear anything else he says.”

Greitens canceled a statewide tour this week to unveil his tax plan after he admitted last week to an extramarital affair in 2015. He has denied allegations that he threatened to blackmail the unidentified woman.

Follow Marshall on Twitter: @MarshallGReport

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Marshall Griffin is the Statehouse reporter for St. Louis Public Radio.
Marshall Griffin
St. Louis Public Radio State House Reporter Marshall Griffin is a native of Mississippi and proud alumnus of Ole Miss (welcome to the SEC, Mizzou!). He has been in radio for over 20 years, starting out as a deejay. His big break in news came when the first President Bush ordered the invasion of Panama in 1989. Marshall was working the graveyard shift at a rock station, and began ripping news bulletins off an old AP teletype and reading updates between songs. From there on, his radio career turned toward news reporting and anchoring. In 1999, he became the capital bureau chief for Florida's Radio Networks, and in 2003 he became News Director at WFSU-FM/Florida Public Radio. During his time in Tallahassee he covered seven legislative sessions, Governor Jeb Bush's administration, four hurricanes, the Terri Schiavo saga, and the 2000 presidential recount. Before coming to Missouri, he enjoyed a brief stint in the Blue Ridge Mountains, reporting and anchoring for WWNC-AM in Asheville, North Carolina. Marshall lives in Jefferson City with his wife, Julie, their dogs, Max and Liberty Belle, and their cat, Honey.
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