Solon's ideas for legislature, budget

TUPELO, Miss. - State Sen. Chad McMahan of Guntown, 15 miles north of Tupelo, has some potential ideas for the upcoming legislative session that may include teacher pay raises, reforming (or eliminating) the state’s (income) tax structure and pushing for passage of several bond bills. McMahan told the Daily Journal he wants to review the state’s budget to see if there’s monies available for teacher pay raises. The senator, who represents Lee and Itawamba counties, said if there is he’d “certainly entertain” a raise. Last session, lawmakers walked back the salary increase plan after financial concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Tate Reeves has recommended a proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax. McMahan and some other lawmakers have said they are at least committed to studying the issue’s feasibility. McMahan says he’d like to see the income tax shift toward a sales tax that would be equally shared by shoppers. Opponents believe it’s harsh to tax citizens and shift more that burden to lower income individuals. (Source: Daily Journal 12/28/20) In Mississippi, teachers make about 15.2 percent less per week than their peers in other job areas. Throughout the southeast, teachers make 20.7 percent less than other professionals in the region. Tax reform, teacher pay raise top Sen. McMahan’s legislative priorities | State Government | djournal.com