In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman discuss the implications of eliminating the Mississippi state income tax with guest Kyra Roby, the policy director for One Voice. The conversation covers the importance of taxes in funding public services, the regressive nature of Mississippi's tax system, and the potential consequences of tax cuts on low-income families. Roby emphasizes the need for a fair and equitable tax system, civic engagement, and accountability from elected officials to ensure that the needs of all Mississippians are met. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to stay engaged and advocate for better policies in their communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and COVID Experience
02:48 The Impact of COVID Medication Costs
05:55 Understanding Mississippi's Tax System
08:49 Concerns Over Income Tax Elimination
12:04 The Role of One Voice in Policy Advocacy
15:01 Disparities in Tax Cuts
18:01 The Need for Fair Taxation
21:07 Legislative Process and Governance Issues
24:06 Empowering Communities for Change
33:24 Empowering Voter Engagement for Better Policies
36:00 The Impact of Tax Policies on Education and Community
39:25 Federal Funding and Its Role in Mississippi's Education
42:03 Challenges Facing Public Education in Mississippi
46:05 The Need for a Focused Legislative Agenda
49:00 Misplaced Priorities in Economic Development
51:48 The Call for Civic Engagement and Accountability