Columbia legislators weigh in on consumption tax

“I voted against it because it’s not sound. You need a strong health care system and strong public education to attract business. I don’t think eliminating the corporate income tax is conducive to that.”

— 23rd District state Rep. Stephen Webber, Democrat

“… It’s important to think about long-term tax policy. This legislation brings us to an important legislative role, being able to formulate sound, rational, long-term tax policy that goes beyond partisan conflicts. ... We’ll be able to collect these taxes easier, and we’ll be making it harder for people to cheat the state out of revenue.”

— 24th District state Rep. Chris Kelly, Democrat

“This will have a profound impact on the less wealthy. Middle-class taxpayers will see costs go up … while the more affluent will be benefiting the most without an income tax.”

— 25th District state Rep. Mary Still, Democrat

“I think this tax is more fair. People will get to make the decision on how much they consume and how much they’ll pay in taxes rather than being punished for earning more. ... Voters deserve more fairness with their incomes, and that’s what the fair tax provides.”

— 19th District state Sen. Kurt Schaefer, Republican