Gary J. Groman

In terms of Missouri's Amendment 5, elimination of the state income tax, on the August 4 ballot, it would be easy at first blush to take the position, “What’s not to like?” As a rule, the Ole Seagull believes that a retail sales tax is fairer than an income tax because just about everyone pays it, has some skin in the game, and the amount they pay is in accordance with the amount of and how they chose to spend their money. In buying a car one can choose to buy a vehicle that costs $100,000...

On August 4, 2026, Missouri voters will vote on several amendments to the State Constitution. One of those amendments, Amendment 5, concerns the elimination of the Missouri State Income Tax. The official wording that will appear on the ballot for Amendment 5 asks, “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to: Require legislative phase-out of the individual state income tax based on revenue growth, and authorize the expansion of sales and use taxes; curtail constitutional limits on taxing...

It all started with a major shift on July 2, 1962. Sam Walton was opening the doors to the first Walmart Discount City in Rogers, Arkansas.