Jackson Free Press logo

This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
Note that any opinions expressed in legacy Jackson Free Press stories do not reflect a position of the Mississippi Free Press or necessarily of its staff and board members.

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Gov. Phil Bryant wants to cut income taxes for low-earning Mississippians as part of his 2016 budget proposal.

Bryant, a Republican, said Monday that he’s seeking a $78.7 million tax cut for families earning less than $50,000 a year.

It’s the centerpiece of his spending plan for the 2016 budget year, which begins July 1. Bryant is expected to seek re-election next November.

Bryant also wants to spend $3 million to pay community college tuition for students who graduate high school with a technical diploma, saying Mississippi needs more skilled workers.

Officials estimate Mississippi will have $6.2 billion to spend.

Legislative leaders will release their own proposal in December, and both will be considered when lawmakers convene in January. They have an April deadline to adopt a budget.

Since 1846, The Associated Press has been breaking news and covering the world's biggest stories, always committed to the highest standards of accurate, unbiased journalism. The Associated Press was founded as an independent news cooperative, whose members are U.S. newspapers and broadcasters, steadfast in our mission to inform the world.