Tax Commission to hear from Mississippi public

JACKSON — Mississippi citizens and interest groups will have the opportunity to speak to members of the Governor's Tax Study Commission. The event will take place May 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mississippi Telcom Center in downtown Jackson.

"The Commission's first two meetings, including the second meeting held (April 29) at Jackson State University, have served as general overview meetings of Mississippi's tax structure and general tax policy," said Commission chairman Leland Speed. "As the Commission begins to sharpen its pencil, we'd like to begin that process by hearing from the public."

Both individuals and interest groups will have an opportunity to speak publicly to the Commission May 19. Interested speakers or groups may e-mail to taxstudy@governor.state.ms.us, or call (601) 359-3150 by May 16 to reserve time. People who do not reserve time before May 16 but come to the meeting May 19 will be placed at the end of the list. Space will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis, and written statements will also be accepted.

In January, Gov. 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, Barbour promised to appoint this commission so the state would no longer take a piecemeal approach but a comprehensive approach to tax reform.

The Commission is required to present its findings and recommendations to the governor, Legislature and public August 31, 2008.

From The Mississippi Business Journal April 30, 2008