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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 - Louisiana News Feed

Potential offshore wind energy revenues rendered moot by Trump memorandum | Louisiana

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square – 2025-01-22 12:18:00

SUMMARY: Louisiana may lose revenue from a recently passed constitutional amendment related to offshore wind and renewable energy royalties due to President Trump’s memorandum halting new wind energy leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf and pausing federal approvals for existing projects. This scrutiny extends to existing leases, beginning with the Lava Ridge Wind Project, which faces reevaluation. Wind energy is criticized for hidden environmental costs, reliability issues, and the extensive resources required compared to fossil fuels. With U.S. Department of the Interior plans for Gulf of America offshore wind leasing rights, Trump’s order threatens these developments, stalling progress on potential projects.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

One killed at Nashville area high school; shooter turns gun on himself | Tennessee

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – 2025-01-22 12:11:00

SUMMARY: A student was killed, and another injured in a shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville, where the 17-year-old shooter died by suicide. The incident prompted a lockdown and evacuation to a reunification site. Lawmakers expressed their condolences and highlighted the need for policies to prevent such violence. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles both offered prayers for the victims and school community. Sen. Charlane Oliver emphasized that no child should feel unsafe in school. This tragedy marks the second school shooting in Nashville within two years, following a previous incident in March 2023.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

State budget bill filed in Texas Senate, allocates $1 billion to school choice | Texas

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2025-01-22 11:48:00

SUMMARY: Texas Senator Joan Huffman has filed SB 1, the proposed state budget for the 2026-2027 biennium, emphasizing conservative fiscal principles. The state anticipates a $194.6 billion revenue from a nearly $24 billion surplus. The budget allocates $73.1 billion for public education, which includes increased teacher pay and a focus on school safety. Healthcare and human services will receive $46.5 billion, with $3 billion dedicated to a new Dementia Prevention Institute. Other key allocations include $6.5 billion for border security, $5 billion for the electric grid, and incentives for the film industry. Public hearings will gather stakeholder input.

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