FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 27, 2009, MISSOURI – Rep. Ed Emery discusses his Missouri Fair Tax legislation in a video released by Americans For Prosperity-Missouri (AFP-MO).

Rep. Emery has sponsored HJR 36, which replaces Missouri’s income tax with a broader sales tax.  The bill has passed the House, and, if passed by the Senate, the Fair Tax language would be placed on the ballot for voter approval.

In his explanation of what the Fair Tax is, and why it’s a good idea for Missouri, Emery says,

“The fair tax fundamentally is a shift from a tax on our labor to a tax on our consumption.  We’re shifting from the income tax to the sales tax.  That’s one of the things that I think that makes it a fairer tax.”

Emery goes on describe the complexity of the income tax, and how taxpayers accidentally or intentionally avoid paying.   “It’s a whole lot simpler to gather a sales tax,” says Emery.  “One of the things I like most about it is it vastly reduces the power of government over the individual citizens.”

Proponents of the Missouri Fair Tax believe it will make the state more attractive to businesses, result in sustainable, long-term growth and greatly increase compliance by eliminating tax loopholes and complex filing.

State Director of AFP-MO Carl Bearden believes that this video will help both citizens and legislators understand how the Missouri Fair Tax works and why Missouri should adopt it.  “The folks I talk to in Missouri are looking for a change, and the Missouri Fair Tax offers an easier, fairer way to pay taxes.  Missourians should be keeping the money they earn, and the Missouri legislature should be constantly seeking to make taxation less burdensome for everyone.”

Rep. Emery affirms, “The closer you look at the fair tax, the better you like it.”

Americans for Prosperity-Missouri (AFP-MO) is part of the nation’s premier grassroots organization committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP-MO reflects the belief of its grass roots members that reducing the size and scope of government is the best way to achieve individual productivity and prosperity. AFP-MO works with citizen leaders to educate and engage them and their communities in support of restraining local, state, and federal government growth.

Americans for Prosperity is a 501(c)4 not for profit organization.  Learn more at www.afpmo.org .

There you have it; the people have spoken! On April 14, 2009 AFP Missouri hosted a Taxpayer Tea Party at the Capitol in Jefferson City.
Despite the chilly weather, hundreds came out to voice their desire to see a more limited government, better representation from their elected officials, and restrained spending of their hard-earned tax dollars.

The USS Porkulus was inundated with tea bags and common sense, and we sent a clear message about the changes WE THE PEOPLE want to see here in Missouri’s capitol.

There will be more interviews, photos and commentary to come. Please join in your local Tea Parties and, now that you know how just a little time can make a big difference, talk to you legislators about HJR 36 Fair Tax legislation.

As a reminder of what an impact we can have, check out some of the press from today:

KC Star

Missourinet

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Springfield News-Leader

Columbia Missourian