Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour

GOVERNOR HALEY BARBOUR'S TAX STUDY COMMISSION

On January 3, 2008, Governor Haley Barbour announced the creation of a public-private commission developed to study Mississippi’s tax code and recommend reforms. During his re-election campaign, Governor Barbour promised to appoint this commission so the state would no longer take a piecemeal approach but a comprehensive approach to tax reform.

“Taxes have such a profound effect on the financial well-being of Mississippi families and the operations of state government that it’s imperative the system be fair and equitable,” Governor Barbour said.

The commission will take a unified approach, enabling its members to provide a clearer, more accurate picture of the entire tax system than has been available to the Legislature and the public in the past. Most importantly, the commission will conduct a comprehensive study of the state tax system, taking into consideration the federal and local tax loads as well.

The Governor said any adjustments in the state tax code must complement federal and local tax codes in providing a stable source of revenue for essential public services while encouraging economic growth and job creation. The commission is required to present its finding and recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and public on August 31, 2008.

PRESS RELEASES

Governor Barbour announces Tax Study Commission

Subcommittee breakdown of Tax Study Commission

Governor Barbour's Tax Study Commission to provide public comment opportunity

SCHEDULED MEETINGS

The Governor's Tax Study Commission meetings are open to the general public.

Monday, March 24, 2008

10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Woolfolk State Office Building in downtown Jackson

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Walter Payton Recreation Center, Jackson State University

Monday, May 19, 2008

10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Mississippi Telcom Center in downtown Jackson

*Individuals and groups will have an opportunity to speak publicly to the Tax Study Commission during this meeting. Interested speakers or groups should email taxstudy@governor.state.ms.us or call 601-359-3150 by May 15 to reserve time. Those who do not reserve speaking time but attend the meeting will be placed at the end of the list and, if time allows, will be allowed to comment. Space will be allocated on a first come first serve basis, and written statements will also be accepted.

**The video of the May 19 Tax Study Commission can be viewed by clicking here or visiting www.mpbonline.org.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Mississippi Telcom Center in downtown Jackson

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. *Location TBD

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. *Location TBD

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The following links are provided for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the views of Governor Barbour, the Mississippi Governor's Office, or the Tax Study Commission.

GOVERNMENT LINKS

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis: http://www.bea.gov/

Internal Revenue Service: http://www.irs.gov/

U.S. Census Bureau: http://www.census.gov/

Mississippi State Auditor's Office (county data): http://www.osa.state.ms.us/documents.asp

PUBLICATIONS

Mississippi State Tax Commission: www.mstc.state.ms.us

Annual Report: Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2007

Mississippi’s Tax Structure: A Comparison of Tax Collections, Diversions, Credits and Rates

Sales Tax Historical Notes and Amendments

Income Tax Historical Notes and Amendments

Mississippi Municipal League: www.mmlonline.com