Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt and Jetton Work to End Cut on Social Security
Teachers, Silver Haired Legislators Endorse Proposal
JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt and Speaker Rod Jetton today again called for an end to the unfair cut on Social Security benefits as two independent organizations announced their support for the measure. The Senior Tax Justice Act, House Bill 444, would eliminate state tax on Social Security benefits. The plan today earned the endorsements of the Silver Haired Legislators, Association of Retired Missouri State Employees, Missouri Kidney Program and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
"Missouri seniors deserve to keep the money they have earned and the Social Security tax is a Social Security cut," Gov. Blunt said. "We did not create this problem, but it is another problem that we can solve. Cutting this tax will put an end to the cut on Social Security and ensure we are not cutting benefits that rightfully belong to Missouri seniors."
"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 seniors and retirees by making what's wrong right."
Many seniors rely on Social Security benefits to make ends meet, but Missouri remains one of only 15 states that continue to tax the benefits our seniors have earned. Early figures show that by ending the state's tax on Social Security benefits hundreds of thousands of Missourians will see their tax burden reduced.
"This initiative would help many seniors in Missouri be better able to pay for their increasing costs of food, fuel and medicine," said Jo Walker, president Silver Haired Legislature.
"We support this legislation because not only has it been a priority to us for several years, but it would also put Missouri on a level playing field with other states that have gotten rid of this tax," said John J. Hartman, legislative chairman Association of Retired Missouri State Employees. "In addition, this financial assistance will go along way to provide some much needed tax relief for retirees in Missouri,"
"The Advisory Council of the Missouri Kidney Program strongly supports the proposal to exempt Social Security recipients from Missouri state taxation. Any kind of tax relief to our patients would be greatly appreciated and would make their lives easier," said Robert W. Whitlock, Director, Missouri Kidney Program.
The Senior Tax Justice Act also ensures Missouri's retired teachers have access to the benefits they have earned.
"Missouri Retired Teachers Association supports HB 444 because it will allow all retired school personnel to be able to live healthy vital lives and be secure economically, socially and professionally in retirement. We fully support Speaker Jetton's efforts," said Jim Kreider, Executive Director Missouri Retired Teachers Association.
The governor and speaker have traveled across the state talking with seniors and listening about the many benefits of their Senior Tax Justice Act. Today they urged lawmakers to quickly pass the legislation to stop the cut on Social Security.