{"id":601733,"date":"2026-04-23T14:36:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/601733\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T14:36:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:36:14","slug":"while-some-states-stop-digging-others-move-full-steam-ahead-with-anti-affordability-agendas-itep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/601733\/","title":{"rendered":"While Some States Stop Digging, Others Move Full Steam Ahead with Anti-Affordability Agendas \u2013 ITEP"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&#13;<\/p>\n<p>Missouri lawmakers passed legislation that will have residents vote on a proposal at the ballot box. The ask: for them to pay more in sales taxes to offset cuts \u2013 and the possible elimination \u2013 of the state\u2019s individual income tax, which makes up nearly two-thirds of Missouri\u2019s general fund. The move, which <a href=\"https:\/\/itep.org\/missouri-income-tax-cut-sales-tax-increase-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">we\u2019ve analyzed<\/a> and described as <a href=\"https:\/\/itep.org\/trump-council-of-economic-advisors-sales-tax\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">an anti-affordability agenda<\/a>, would raise taxes on the working class and drastically cut taxes for the richest Missourians. Voters in the Show Me State could see the measure appear on the ballot as soon as the August primary or this November\u2019s general election.<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere, lawmakers and both Hawai\u2019i and North Carolina are recommending pauses, and even rollbacks, to existing income tax cuts. Lawmakers in Hawai\u2019i are gearing up for a conference committee to reconcile differences between dueling House and Senate income tax proposals. And North Carolina\u2019s Gov. Josh Stein, as part of his broader proposed budget and given the state\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/itep.org\/north-carolina-pushing-tax-cuts-on-three-fronts-risks-a-repeat-of-kansas-debacle\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">increasingly precarious financial position<\/a>, is urging lawmakers to pause scheduled income tax cuts.<\/p>\n<p>Major State Tax Proposals and Developments<\/p>\n<p>The MISSOURI legislature <a href=\"https:\/\/missouriindependent.com\/2026\/04\/21\/plan-to-replace-missouri-income-tax-with-expanded-sales-tax-heads-to-voters\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">passed<\/a> a bill to put constitutional permission for sales tax hikes on the ballot. If voters approve the measure, the state would be authorized to expand sales taxes to additional services or goods and cut the individual income tax, with the goal of full elimination. If the legislature eliminates the income tax and replaces the funds from the sales tax, a typical Missouri family could pay about <a href=\"https:\/\/itep.org\/missouri-income-tax-cut-sales-tax-increase-2026\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">$550 more<\/a> in taxes every year. \u2013 ELI BYERLY-DUKE.<br \/>\nHAWAI\u2019I lawmakers are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hawaiipublicradio.org\/the-conversation\/2026-04-20\/state-budget-enters-final-weeks-of-consideration\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">scheduled<\/a> to hold conference committee meetings to work out differences between key bills as the state heads into its final weeks of legislative session. The future of scheduled income tax cuts will be debated as lawmakers work to potentially pause some of the scheduled tax cuts that are estimated to cost the state over $1.8 billion per year by 2031, while also preserving some income tax cuts for working families. The state faces a revenue shortfall, due in-part to federal policies, an anticipated economic slowdown, and scheduled state income tax cuts. \u2013 MILES TRINIDAD<br \/>\nIn his newly released <a href=\"https:\/\/www.13newsnow.com\/article\/news\/local\/north-carolina\/nc-gov-josh-stein-budget-proposal-schools-public-safety-tax-relief\/291-8f019626-c91b-4756-b96a-f6c6922d9136?&amp;utm_source=urban_newsletters&amp;utm_medium=news-DD&amp;utm_term=TPC\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">budget proposal<\/a>, NORTH CAROLINA Gov. Josh Stein recommended pausing scheduled tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the state\u2019s wealthiest residents. Gov. Stein warned that without swift action, North Carolina could face a shortfall of $5 billion if the state\u2019s automatic tax cut triggers are met. He also recommended a handful of additional tax cuts, including: a new Working Families Tax Credit that would be a refundable credit set at 10 percent of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), an increase to the state\u2019s standard deduction, a childcare tax credit that would set subsidy rates and create a statewide reimbursement floor, and a back-to-school sales tax holiday. \u2013 MILES TRINIDAD<\/p>\n<p>State Roundup<\/p>\n<p>ALABAMA Gov. Kay Ivey <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alreporter.com\/2026\/04\/17\/gov-ivey-signs-tax-relief-bill-state-grocery-tax-eliminated-for-two-months\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">signed legislation<\/a> to create a deduction for up to $1,000 of overtime pay from state income tax and suspended the 2-percent state tax on groceries for two months (which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alreporter.com\/2026\/04\/17\/gov-ivey-signs-tax-relief-bill-state-grocery-tax-eliminated-for-two-months\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">happens to coincide<\/a> with primary election season).<br \/>\nAn ALASKA Senate committee <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adn.com\/politics\/alaska-legislature\/2026\/04\/21\/senate-committee-revises-governors-property-tax-bill-for-alaska-lng-project-proposing-significantly-more-state-revenue\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">revised<\/a> Gov. Mike Dunleavy\u2019s proposed property tax cut for a natural gas mega-project to add an $800 million community impact fee and increase the volume-based tax to replace lost property tax revenue.<br \/>\nARKANSAS lawmakers are now <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ualrpublicradio.org\/local-regional-news\/2026-04-16\/arkansas-legislature-wraps-second-week-of-fiscal-session\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">two weeks into their legislative session<\/a> with no major surprises so far. A resolution to increase an existing homestead property tax credit advanced unanimously last week.<br \/>\nFLORIDA lawmakers will begin a special session on April 28, but the agenda and priorities for the session are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcmiami.com\/news\/local\/budget-redistricting-push-property-tax-cuts-down-on-lawmakers-agenda\/3797492\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">still being worked out<\/a>. Gov. Ron DeSantis has promised to put a major property tax cut before voters on the November ballot, but a redistricting effort and other debates are likely to push any further talk of that plan down the agenda.<br \/>\nAn ILLINOIS bill that would create a 3 percent surtax on income over $1 million to help fund property tax reductions and public schools <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox32chicago.com\/news\/illinois-millionaires-tax-bill-4-21\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">recently passed<\/a> the House Revenue &amp; Finance Committee. If passed by the legislature, the bill would move to the ballot for voter consideration.<br \/>\nMISSISSIPPI lawmakers are facing pressure to address looming <a href=\"https:\/\/mississippitoday.org\/2026\/04\/21\/mississippi-lawmakers-health-care\/?emci=26242354-3f3e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&amp;emdi=229bc48a-513e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&amp;ceid=38756\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">federal cuts<\/a> \u2013 estimated at about $1 billion over the next decade \u2013 that would threaten health care affordability and access in the state. The federal cuts will reduce state-directed payments that allow states to increase already low reimbursement rates from Medicaid to hospitals.<br \/>\nMeanwhile, a MISSISSIPPI watchdog <a href=\"https:\/\/mississippitoday.org\/2026\/04\/15\/private-school-tax-credits-mississippi\/?emci=b8d64744-8639-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&amp;emdi=190c7bdd-9a39-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&amp;ceid=38756\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">report<\/a> found that the funds private schools receive through the statewide tax credit program are mostly being spent outside of the classroom. The program provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for up to 50 percent of the donor\u2019s contribution to private schools towards their state tax bill. But the state Department of Revenue, which administers the program, has reportedly not tracked how the money has been spent.<br \/>\nMONTANA Republicans asked a state District Court to <a href=\"https:\/\/montanafreepress.org\/2026\/04\/17\/montana-gop-asks-court-to-nix-gianforte-backed-property-tax-law\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">strike down<\/a> a new property tax law because, they argue, the process in which the lawmakers who crafted the law went through violated the constitution.<br \/>\nBefore NEBRASKA lawmakers could officially adjourn and celebrate the end of a difficult session, March tax receipts data came in almost 15 percent short and <a href=\"https:\/\/nebraskaexaminer.com\/2026\/04\/15\/nebraska-budget-back-in-72-million-deficit-after-tax-revenues-come-in-below-forecast\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">plunged the state back into the red<\/a>. Because lawmakers balanced the budget this year, this adds an immediate $72 million hole to the shortfall of more than $600 million they were already slated to face. Meanwhile Gov. Jim Pillen <a href=\"https:\/\/nebraskaexaminer.com\/2026\/04\/20\/pillen-eyes-more-state-budget-cuts-to-help-offset-local-property-taxes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">kicked off cabinet meetings<\/a> with a goal to slash the budget so deeply the state can address the shortfall and still cut local property taxes.<br \/>\nAn OHIO coalition of elected officials, libraries, businesses and trade groups, and unions representing first responders and teachers have united to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statenews.org\/government-politics\/2026-04-17\/ohio-police-teachers-local-officials-join-forces-to-push-back-on-property-tax-abolishment\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">oppose<\/a> an effort to abolish property taxes in the state. The group warned that the proposal would cut $20 billion in local revenue that funds local services, resulting in 32,000 first responders and 50,000 teachers losing their jobs. They also warned the state sales tax could go up to 20 percent to cover the shortfall, which Gov. Mike DeWine and other state leaders also predicted.<br \/>\nTEXAS communities will need to spend $174 billion over the next 50 years to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/04\/16\/texas-water-supply-crisis-corpus-christi-development-board\/?emci=a07d81a2-513a-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&amp;emdi=78f528a2-633a-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&amp;ceid=38756\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">avert a severe water crisis<\/a>, according to a new state analysis. The estimate is more than double the $80 billion projected four years ago. The Texas Legislature is expected to take up the issue next year.<br \/>\nVIRGINIA lawmakers are at a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wvtf.org\/news\/2026-04-20\/virginia-democrats-are-still-far-apart-on-the-budget-and-a-near-term-solution-doesnt-seem-likely?_amp=true\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">budget impasse<\/a> as Democrats are split on an effort to keep a $1 billion tax break for data centers. The General Assembly is scheduled to gavel into a special session on Thursday to begin debate on a solution and pass a budget.<\/p>\n<p>What We\u2019re Reading<\/p>\n<p>A new <a href=\"https:\/\/itep.org\/while-states-debate-new-trump-tax-changes-equity-must-be-at-the-core\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">piece<\/a> from ITEP explains if states link to certain components of the new federal tax law, those decisions could worsen inequality while also reducing states\u2019 ability to fund programs that support racial and economic justice.<br \/>\nStateline <a href=\"https:\/\/stateline.org\/2026\/04\/15\/many-states-dont-report-losses-from-data-center-tax-breaks-study-says\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">covers<\/a> a new <a href=\"https:\/\/goodjobsfirst.org\/data-center-tax-abatements-why-states-and-localities-must-disclose-these-soaring-revenue-losses\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">report<\/a> from Good Jobs First on how state and local tax subsidies for data centers are rapidly growing yet public disclosure of these costly subsidies lags far behind current standards. At least three states \u2013 Georgia, Texas, and Virginia \u2013 are already losing $1 billion or more to such tax breaks each year.<br \/>\nA new piece by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy <a href=\"https:\/\/kypolicy.org\/hb-869-tax-breaks-real-estate-fuel\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">considers<\/a> the legislature\u2019s decision to approve a series of corporate tax subsidies. Expensive and without much transparency, the subsidies are reducing the state\u2019s revenue without careful consideration or clear benefits.<br \/>\nAn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsonline.com\/story\/opinion\/contributors\/2026\/04\/15\/wisconsin-tax-day-family-poverty\/89534738007\/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z115757p115550l004250c115550e1101xxv115757d--59--b--59--&amp;gca-ft=216&amp;gca-ds=sophi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">op-ed in<\/a> the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel discusses the connection between taxes and affordability. In the piece, the author considers both who pays the taxes that fund Wisconsin\u2019s programs and how much money is raised to support those investments.<\/p>\n<p>If you like what you are seeing in the Rundown (or even if you don\u2019t) please send any feedback or tips for future posts to Aidan Davis at <a href=\"http:\/\/itep.org\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#0869616c696648617c6d7826677a6f\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">[email\u00a0protected]<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/visitor.r20.constantcontact.com\/manage\/optin?v=001lYEZTbriJpowBP5E6i_H8IVilfBv_kHZ3fK53-EmvnYMNCiPGITOJ12aB0x18sLzdS__yvq5KYv3kHsWBJ5cyc2bQ4wymU_hbWmCA-wJCbw%3D\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Click here<\/a> to sign up to receive the Rundown via email.<\/p>\n<p>\t&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n\t&#13;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"&#13; Missouri lawmakers passed legislation that will have residents vote on a proposal at the ballot box. The&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":572553,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[23,3,21,19,22,20,25,24],"class_list":{"0":"post-601733","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-united-states","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-news","10":"tag-united-states","11":"tag-united-states-of-america","12":"tag-unitedstates","13":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","14":"tag-us","15":"tag-usa"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/601733","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=601733"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/601733\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/572553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=601733"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=601733"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=601733"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}