NOW IS THE TIME TO WEIGH ALL TAX CUTS

Getting Missouri legislators into a tax-cutting mood may be more than Gov. Mel Carnahan bargained for. Carnahan is pushing a 3-cent reduction in the state sales tax on food. This isn't out of regard for taxpayers as much as it is mandated by the Hancock Amendment that limits the growth in state revenue.

Most legislators have signed on to the idea of the cut in food sales tax. But there are some who think there are even more cuts that could be made. Among them: An exemption for private pensions equal to that of government retirees, and an increase in the state tax deduction for dependents.

Unless the Legislature acts to cut taxes in some fashion, Missouri will be hit with yet another refund for excessive tax revenue. This sounds like a golden opportunity to take a serious look at any and all tax cuts.