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Taking Care of Missourians First, Missouri’s Government Last I believe that Missouri’s state government is too big, too expensive and too intrusive into our lives and businesses. I also believe that Missouri’s citizens, non-profit organizations, churches and business community are hindered by excessive government. In order to allow Missouri to become the best place to live, to work, to start a business, to vacation or to retire we must get look to reduce government and remove the obstacles it places on us wherever possible. To do this, we must:
On average, Missourians pay almost a third of our total income each year to government in direct taxes. Our state government can do little to curtail taxes at the local and federal levels, but we can roll back the burden placed on Missourians by those in the State Capitol. I want to lead that effort. In addition to being the right thing to do for Missouri’s working families, lowered taxes will result in more "spendable" income. This will make Missouri more attractive to business, which will help bring more jobs to our state.
Whether Missourians pay health insurance out of their paychecks at work, directly to insurance companies for individual insurance plans or for COBRA coverage, 100% of the cost should be deductible from our state income tax bill.
I believe that Missourians are more capable of providing for ourselves, and for each other, better than a centralized bureaucratic system of government. I propose that Missourians be allowed to deduct 105% of their donations to charities in Missouri from their state income tax bill. In other words, someone who donates $1,000 to a private, charitable organization would be able to deduct $1050 at tax time. The more someone donates, the more they save on their taxes. Of course, the more someone donates to private charity and non-profit groups directly, the more effectively their money is used to help those in need. The five percent "bonus" deduction will actually save Missouri taxpayers money because of the elimination of the administrative costs of maintaining the inefficient social service programs in government today. This deduction should apply to financial support given to charities that aid the homeless, the mentally ill, the unemployed, legal immigrants and victims of domestic violence. This deduction should also be allowed for contributions to scholarship funds at community colleges, business and trade schools and universities in Missouri. We can still have a vital "safety net" for those in our society who need a hand without the tax burden that goes with a welfare state approach. Moving that safety net to the private sector will make it more accountable to those it serves and to those who support it while encouraging self-sufficiency. Solutions Part One: Jobs and Our Economy Solutions Part Three: Making State Government Accountable to Us |