Tax Cut Bill Passes Mississippi House

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The Mississippi House has passed a bill to phase out the state income tax during the next 15 years if the economy grows.

The vote Wednesday was 83 for the bill and 32 against it. At least 69 votes were needed.

The vote on House Bill 1629 came after two hours of debate.

Supporters say eliminating Mississippi’s income tax would stimulate economic growth, while opponents say it would blow a hole in the state budget.

It is one of two election-year tax cut proposals pending in the Legislature.

The Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 2839. That plan, backed by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, would phase out Mississippi’s business franchise tax over 10 years and reduce some income taxes.

The two chambers will exchange bills for more work.