Mo. Senate Passes Tax Overhaul Measure

Intro:	A member of the governor's own party says he waited too long before taking a stance on a tax overhaul plan the Senate passed Tuesday evening that would cut income taxes and raise sales taxes, despite the governor opposing the plan.
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Wrap: The measure would cut income taxes for residents and businesses by three-quarters of a percentage point and increase the sales tax by one-half cent over the next five years.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon said he opposed the proposal after the Republican-controlled Senate gave the bill first round approval last week.

That wasn't soon enough for Democratic St. Louis County Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal.

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Description: "I don't like getting a phone call Sunday night from the governor's office. It's pathetic."

But Senate Democratic leader Jolie Justus says the Governor played a big role in the discussion.

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Description: "On this issue however, we were in constant contact with the governor's office."

The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 23-11.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Matt Evans. Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	The Missouri Senate passed a bill that would slash income taxes in Missouri, but also increase the sales tax in an effort to make up for lost revenue.
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Wrap: The Senate sent the proposal to the House with a 23-11 vote.

The measure would cut income taxes by three-quarters of a percentage point and increase the sales tax by one-half cent over the next five years.

Republicans backing the measure say its the biggest tax overhaul in decades. And one that bill sponsor Senator Will Kraus says will help Missouri compete with other state's low taxes.

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Description: "It's going to drive our economy to succeed. We're going to drive more revenue to the bottom line of the budget."

Democrats say the measure would put more burdens on Missouri families.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Matt Evans. Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:	Despite calls from Mo. Gov. Jay Nixon to strike down a tax overhaul bill, the Missouri Senate passed the measure Tuesday night sending it to the House.
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Wrap: Even one Senator from his own party said Gov. Jay Nixon failed to communicate with the state Senate. St. Louis County Democrat Maria Chapelle-Nadal called late calls from the governor's office, quote "pathetic."

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Description: "But if the governor doesn't talk to us, your side or mine, there's a problem."

Republican Senator John Lamping says it won't matter if the governor doesn't favor the proposed tax overhaul.

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Description: "Governor doesn't like it, that's what super majorities are all about. We come back and we make this policy and we get it done."

The measure the Senate passed by a vote of 23-11 would cut income taxes by three-quarters of a percentage point and increase the sales tax by one-half cent over the next five years.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Matt Evans. Newsradio1120 KMOX.