End unjust state tax on Seniors' Social Security Benefits, says Speaker Jetton

Jefferson City, MO – Flanked by fellow legislators and Missouri seniors, Speaker of the Missouri House Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) today announced the Senior Tax Justice Act, his proposal to end Missouri’s tax on senior’s Social Security benefits.  According to Speaker Jetton, Missouri’s strong economy has made it possible to end what he calls an unnecessary, unjust tax. 

“I’ve heard from seniors all over the state and they keep telling me the same thing,” said Speaker Jetton.  “This tax doesn’t make sense.  We’re one of only 15 states that still tax this needed income.  We’re in a position, as a state, to help our elderly family members and friends by making what’s wrong right.”

Preliminary estimates indicate eliminating Missouri’s tax on Social Security benefits would lower the tax burden for more than 200,000 people.  The cost to the state—around $100 million—could be covered by the state’s anticipated budget surplus which Speaker Jetton said could total as much as $300-500 million.

“This is worth the cost,” said Speaker Jetton.  “With a little more money in their pockets, seniors will be better prepared to deal with the rising costs of medication, food, housing and transportation.” 

Speaker Jetton’s call to end the tax on senior’s Social Security benefits this year follows on the heels of three senior nutrition initiatives he sponsored last year.  Speaker Jetton successfully spearheaded the first measure, a $1 million increase in the state’s appropriation for home delivered meals to non-Medicaid recipients.  The Speaker also proposed enacting a tax credit to encourage donations to local food pantries and a food supplement program that would create a state match for the federal Food Stamps program.  The latter would have assured seniors would receive in food stamps no less than $30 a month per individual or no less than $60 a month per couple.  Both measures enjoyed strong support in the House but stalled in the Senate.