Attention to detail – a phrase used in classrooms, locker rooms, and workplaces across the world. The basis of the phrase is if you pay attention to the little things, the big things will come together and work out as intended.
Detail was not paid attention to by someone, or multiple people for that matter, in the Mississippi Senate when drafting what lawmakers touted as a “fiscally responsible” and “cautious” way to phase out the state’s personal income tax.
After months of opposing opinions being voiced and weeks of cross-chamber infighting, the House of Representatives made a surprising move on Thursday. It dished its own plan to eliminate income tax on a concrete, 12-year schedule and concurred with the Senate’s plan – one intended to immediately cut the grocery tax and phase out the “tax on work” based on how the economy is doing. In political talk, the latter is often referred to as “triggers,” something that can only happen after specific conditions occur.
During a press conference at the capitol earlier this week, Senate Republicans gathered to present their plan that included reducing income tax from 4% to 3% between 2027 and 2030. Afterward, tax rates would continue to drop until reaching 0%, contingent on meeting the annual economic growth triggers. The bill as vocally presented flew through the Senate with some Democratic support and was sent to the House.
The only problem? The trigger phase as presented by the Senate during that press conference was botched by a minor yet major typo in the bill’s text. It can be blamed on an errant decimal point or errant percentage mark. Instead of saying revenue growth over spending must reach 85% for a further drop in the income tax, the bill reads, “.85%.” This means the state’s economy would barely have to grow for income tax to continue being phased out after 2030.
Circling back to attention to detail, the Senate’s lack thereof was punctuated by the House’s full attention to detail. Sources confirmed that leading members of the House noticed the typo and purposely pounced. Instead of walking down the
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