Mississippi House OKs cut in state grocery tax

JACKSON (Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007) – Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Dowdy praised Democratic leaders in the state House of Representatives today for helping approve a cut in the state sales tax on groceries.

The proposal, which also would raise the state tax on cigarettes, is expected to head to the state Senate. Meanwhile, a similar Senate bill is pending in the Senate Finance Committee – and the chairman, Republican Tommy Robertson of Moss Point, may not let his panel consider it.

“That would be a major disservice to the people of Mississippi if the Senate Finance Committee and full Senate are not allowed to vote on this issue,” Dowdy said. “But with Sen. Robertson closely aligned with Republican Gov. Haley Barbour, anyone can see where this issue may be headed.”

Barbour vetoed two bills last year, one to reduce and the other to eliminate the state tax of 7 cents on the dollar charged on the purchase of groceries – one of the highest in the nation. Both bills also would have raised the state’s tax on cigarettes – one of the lowest in the nation.

Robertson said this week that he doesn’t support the Senate bill. And, he said, “I’m not going to have a bloody fight out there for the sake of having a fight to help the Democratic Party or to help the Republican Party take out people on key issues.”

The Senate bill faces a Wednesday deadline for senators to vote. If Robertson refuses to let his committee consider the tax issue and the Senate bill dies, then the House proposal would be the only measure still alive in the 2007 Legislature.

Dowdy said Democratic Party leaders in the state House did a masterful job guiding the tax proposal to passage by a 91-27 vote. This proposal makes perfect sense, Dowdy said, and will help thousands of people across the state.

“This is a no-brainer,” Dowdy said. “This bill would help every Mississippian and give them real tax relief. It will put more money in the pockets of the people by reducing the state grocery tax. And remember: Smoking is a personal choice while buying food for your family isn’t.”