Better South book spurs MS discussion

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal in Tupelo today encouraged Mississippi lawmakers to take a long, hard look at the state's tax structure as recommended in a new book by the Center for a Better South:

Mississippi always should be open to suggestions about making its tax policies fairer, with rates and applications reflective of proportionality and the ability to pay more than meeting the political needs of special interests.... The idea of progressive taxation is basically simple: tax people fairly, never loading up on anyone disproportionately, and examine every kind of taxation. Mississippi isn't known for its tax reform zeal. Our statewide sales tax is among the highest in the nation even though we have the lowest per capita income - and a higher percentage of people living in poverty than nationwide....

Everybody likes tax breaks, and some are deserved, but unfair taxation ultimately hurts a state's or city's or county's prosperity. It reduces spendable income disproportionately and tends to mire people more deeply in economic disadvantage. Tax issues always are complex, and they are controversial from the start of discussions. Mississippi would do itself a favor - ultimately serving all citizens - in reexamining tax policies with the goal of maximizing fairness.

Also today, the Center's ideas were featured on a radio report offered by Mississippi Public Broadcasting:

Mississippi's tax system is outdated, antiquated and needs to be upgraded. That's the assessment of a study group conducting research into tax reform throughout the south.

• Click here to listen to the radio report.