Missouri Governor Reasserts Need For Tax Credit Curbs

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon says any "discussion of tax cuts is a nonstarter" until lawmakers first take steps to curb the amount of money going to tax breaks for developers.

Nixon's statement Thursday came a day after the Senate gave initial approval to legislation that could gradually reduce the state's income tax rates, beginning in 2017

An income tax cut is a top priority this year for Republicans.

The Democratic governor vetoed a tax-cut plan last year and has threatened to do so again unless it meets several criteria. Those include full funding for public schools and new limits on tax credit programs for the development of low-income housing and historic buildings.

The Senate bill is not contingent upon conditions being met.