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Tax revenues $181M above estimate | Mississippi

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – 2024-07-09 08:00:00

(The Center Square) – Mississippi tax revenues were $181.7 million above the estimate for fiscal 2024, according to data released by the state Department of Revenue.

For June, the same release showed collections were $46.9 million more than the presession estimate at $7.7 billion. This year’s total collections at $7.7 billion were $18.4 million more than last year, an increase of 0.24%.

The state’s new fiscal year started July 1. 

This came despite a nearly 6% decrease in collections of the state’s income tax. In fiscal 2023, the state collected $2.39 billion versus $2.25 billion this year, a decrease of $141.8 million. For the month of June, receipts were $6.2 million above the estimate at $206.2 million. 

In 2022, Gov. Tate Reeves signed into law an income tax cut that gradually reduces the state’s graduated bracket system into a 4% flat tax. 

According to the report, sales tax revenues for fiscal 2024 ($2.82 billion) were nearly 3% more than the year prior ($2.73 billion). In June, sales tax receipts ($244 million) were $2.1 million over the estimate. 

Collections of the state’s corporate income tax were down by 6.7%, shrinking from $1.04 billion to $968 million, a decrease of $69.5 million. Collections in June were $8.6 million at $148.5 million. 

Use tax receipts were up by 4.87%, growing from nearly $389 million in fiscal 2023 to $407.9 million in fiscal 2024. The state’s use tax is assessed on all out of state sales, including online purchases. June collections added up to $33.8 million, $2.1 million greater than the estimate. 

The state’s so-called “sin” taxes on tobacco and alcohol, including revenue from the state’s wine and liquor warehouse and distribution system, showed a decrease as well, falling by 1.69%. In fiscal 2023, the state took in $262.1 million compared to $257.7 million this year, a difference of $4.42 million. 

Revenue from the state’s gaming tax was also down by 4.3% for the year to date, falling from $162 million to $155 million, a difference of nearly $7 million. In June, gaming collections were $1.6 million greater than the estimate.

Oil and gas severance taxes also took a dive, falling by 11.66% from $36.4 million to $32.2 million. 

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Abbott directs state agencies to divest from investments originating from China | Texas

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-21 19:24:00

SUMMARY: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued multiple directives to prepare for the upcoming legislative session focusing on threats from China. One executive order aims to protect Texans of Chinese descent from CCP operatives, while another orders state agencies to prepare for potential attacks on critical infrastructure. Abbott emphasized the need for divestment from Chinese investments due to financial risks associated with CCP aggression. He called for immediate evaluation and divestment of state funds in China, fostering collaboration with other governors to encourage investment alternatives. These measures follow discussions by a select committee exploring foreign threats to Texas’ economy and security.

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News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Study: AI and data centers could drive cost of energy up by 70% over 10 years | Virginia

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Morgan Sweeney | The Center Square – 2024-11-21 19:07:00

SUMMARY: A report by the Jack Kemp Foundation warns that average American energy bills could rise by 25% to 70% over the next decade due to soaring energy demands driven by AI, hyperscale data centers, and advanced manufacturing. The surge is straining the U.S. power grid, leading to significant price increases in capacity markets. Dominion Energy disputes these findings, predicting only a 2.5% annual increase in Virginia. The report argues for policy changes, including charging data centers more for energy and halting subsidies for their construction to alleviate the burden on consumers. Recommendations also include implementing minimum take clauses for utility contracts.

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News from the South - Florida News Feed

St. Petersburg City Council votes to repair Tropicana Field’s roof | Florida

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – 2024-11-21 17:01:00

SUMMARY: The St. Petersburg City Council approved spending $55 million to repair Tropicana Field, including $26.3 million for roof replacement, after Hurricane Milton damaged it in October. Insurance and FEMA funds will cover some costs. However, Rays co-President Brian Auld doubts the repairs will be ready by 2026. The council delayed a vote on $333.5 million in bonds for a new $1.2 billion stadium, scheduled for 2028. The Rays argue the delay jeopardizes the project, having already spent $50 million. The team will play next season at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, paying $15 million to the Yankees.

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