House Bill 1, or the "Build Up Mississippi Act," has been marketed as a transformative step toward economic growth and tax relief. However, as your representative, my vote against this bill was grounded in protecting the long-term economic health of our state and ensuring equity for all Mississippians.
House Bill 1 lets wealthy people off the hook from paying their fair share of taxes and shifts that responsibility to low-and-middle income families, who spend a larger portion of their income on taxable goods. While the bill includes a phased reduction in the grocery tax, it fails to offset the broader economic strain of increased sales taxes on necessities like clothing, household items, and other essentials.
Extensive research and data from states that have attempted similar tax policies show that eliminating income tax forces states to rely on increased sales and consumption taxes. These taxes disproportionately impact working families, who already allocate most of their income toward essential expenses. The wealthiest Mississippians benefit from this shift, as they contribute a lower percentage of their earnings toward sales taxes compared to middle and lower-income earners. The result is an economic structure that increases financial strain on those who can least afford it while providing substantial benefits to high-income individuals and corporations.
Although sustainable support for the Public Employees’ Retirement System and Mississippi Department of Transportation are included in this legislation, Mississippi would face a nearly $2.2 billion shortfall as income tax revenues are eliminated should this legislation pass. This funding gap threatens vital services like education, healthcare, and other critical public services. We’ve seen cautionary tales in other states, such as Kansas, where income tax cuts led to severe budget deficits, underfunded schools, and a declining economy. I cannot support a policy that jeopardizes the very programs that form the backbone of our communities.
Instead of relying on regressive taxes, we could pursue more equitable revenue measures—such as closing corporate tax loopholes —that ensure fairness while maintaining adequate funding for essential services. House Bill 1 overlooks these alternatives in favor of a policy that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term stability.
Mississippi deserves a tax policy that uplifts all residents, not just a privileged few. Legislation like House Bills 720 and 721 to create a state child tax credit and state earned income tax credit, respectively, are proven tax reform measures that benefit working families, provide financial stability to those who need it most, and contribute to our local economies. I and several other colleagues continue to introduce these bills without serious consideration from the Republican leadership. While I support efforts to reduce the financial strain on families, I believe it is our responsibility to do so in a way that does not compromise public services, deepen economic disparities, or mortgage our state’s future. I am thankful that 23 of my House Democratic colleagues agreed and remain hopeful that the Mississippi State Senate will concur.
As your representative, my vote against House Bill 1 was a vote for fairness, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of all Mississippians. I remain committed to working toward solutions that truly build up Mississippi—not at the expense of our most vulnerable communities, but alongside them.