Missouri bill would cut income tax, raise cigarette tax

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri senator is proposing to eliminate the state income tax for some low-income residents while raising the tax on smokers.

Republican state Sen. John Lamping, of Ladue, has filed legislation that would exempt anyone earning less than $2,000 from having to pay state income tax and slightly lower the taxes for people earning more than that.

His legislation would offset the projected $128 million reduction in state income tax revenues by increasing the cigarette tax to 43 cents per pack. Missouri's current cigarette tax of 17 cents per pack is the lowest in the nation.

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Tax bill is SB638.

Online:

Senate: http://www.senate.mo.gov/