Missouri’s special session set to start Wednesday

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

State lawmakers are set to return to the capital Wednesday for a special session about tax cuts.

Previously, the session was scheduled to start following Labor Day Weekend. The Missouri House of Representatives and Missouri Senate released a joint statement that pushed the special session back a week after "an extremely productive discussion."

JOINT LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON SPECIAL SESSION — “Today we had an extremely productive discussion on the issues the Governor asked us to address during special session. Our goal is to provide Missourians with the most substantive and effective tax relief possible… 1/3 #MOLeg

— Caleb Rowden (@calebrowden) August 31, 2022

The session is scheduled to start Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Those in the state Capitol will also see a change in their work conditions. Ongoing renovations will require the General Assembly to work from folding chairs and tables.

State lawmakers plan to focus on Gov. Michael Parson's tax plan.

The governor's plan includes an extension of agricultural tax credits as well as a permanent income tax cut, which would lower the top tax bracket from 5.3% to 4.8%. Gov. Parson also wants to eliminate the bottom two income tax brackets.

Parson, who toured the state to promote the plan, said it would save Missourians more than $700 million a year.

Opponents, however, argue every day Missourians wouldn't see the benefits of the tax cuts and that the state can't afford such a significant and permanent tax cut.

Gov. Parson announced state lawmakers won't discuss recreational marijuana during the special session. Some state lawmakers wanted to discuss the topic before it goes to voters in November.