JACKSON - The Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC, and the Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC), recently released a letter to Speaker of the House Jason White in support of the conversations being had about the issues addressed in House Bill 1.
Dear Speaker White,
On behalf of our members, who represent virtually every sector of Mississippi’s economy, we express our appreciation for continuing the conversation around tax policy in Mississippi addressed in House Bill 1.
First and foremost, HB 1 recognizes the need for stable, recurring revenue to address infrastructure needs in
Mississippi, including maintenance and capacity projects. Reliable roads, bridges, ports, airports and rail systems are the backbone of commerce. Increased investments in this critical infrastructure will enhance Mississippi's
competitiveness while supporting the safe and efficient movement of goods, services, and workers. Reliable, consistent transportation funding is key in attracting and retaining businesses in a global economy.
New, dedicated revenue aligns with our members' legislative policies and goals and will allow the Mississippi
Department of Transportation (MDOT) to leverage additional federal funds to further our progress for this critical need. We look forward to discussing how HB 1 can address these issues and any other options the House and Senate may be open to considering.
We applaud the House of Representatives for moving the tax discussion to the forefront of the 2025 session. The legislature has worked with the business community over the last decade to make our tax code more competitive. A comprehensive plan that continues that momentum gives our workforce more freedom to invest their hard- earned dollars as they see fit, strengthening Mississippi’s economy. Mississippi’s success hinges on addressing infrastructure needs and advancing tax policies that ease the financial burden of its citizens.
Recognizing that the Mississippi Senate is likely to bring forth its own tax legislation to address these issues, we urge legislative leaders to continue working together to find common ground. Over the remaining two months of the Legislative Session, we look forward to working with policymakers to ensure that the final product will benefit all Mississippians.
Sincerely,
John McKay, MMA President & CEO
Scott Waller, MEC President & CEO
Derek Easley, BIPEC President & CEO