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Nixon remains silent on largest tax cut proposal in Missouri history

April 28, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY—As the General Assembly moves forward with a proposal to provide $1 billion in tax relief, Governor Jay Nixon is keeping his silence and doing a disservice to Missourians who deserve to know where he stands.

The only statements from Nixon’s office have been dismissive of the effort, saying he wasn’t “too worried about it.”  But despite his indifference, he has pointedly refused to clearly articulate a position.  Even Senator Claire McCaskill, a federal official who rarely wades into state policy debates, has made it clear that she opposes the proposed tax cut.

“Jay Nixon has a history of avoiding tough questions.  Once again, he is nowhere to be found—absent from a debate over a proposal to give $1 billion in tax relief to Missouri families,” said Lloyd Smith, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party.  “Even Claire McCaskill has publicly taken a position against the tax cuts, but Jay Nixon, the state’s chief executive officer, has remained absolutely silent.”

McCaskill’s comments: Springfield News-Leader, April 26, 2009

Nixon’s comments: Columbia Missourian, April 24, 2009