Missouri community members plan to host eight meetings across the state next week over proposals to eliminate the state income tax.

MO Coalition and collaborating groups will propose a “people’s budget” to compete with the state’s proposed elimination of income tax.

The meetings will be held in eight counties:

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 12 at Parkway United Church of Christ, 2841 N. Ballas Road, St. Louis.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 18 at Hatch Auditorium at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield.

• 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 19 at Central Presbyterian Church, 3501 Campbell St., Kansas City.

• 6 to 8 p.m. March 19 at The Table, 3609 MO-7, Blue Springs.

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 19 at The Joshua House, 1136 E. Dunklin St., Jefferson City.

• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at Spencer Road Branch, 427 Spencer Road, St. Peters.

• 1 to 3 p.m. March 21 at Olivet Christian Church, 1991 S. Olivet Road, Columbia.

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at Northside Movement Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., St. Louis. 

The state has proposed budget cuts up to $600 million for the upcoming fiscal year, starting in July.  The meetings will propose an entirely new budget.

Groups such as Abortion Action Missouri and Missouri Jobs with Justice continue to advocate for policy changes.

They hope to “leave our children with a brighter future” by including fair wages for workers, access to abortion, public education and restricting corporate monopolies, according to a press release.

The groups oppose the proposed tax plan and aim to enhance services provided by the government “across gender, race, and place.”

The House is expected to pass resolutions before session break this week, placing a ballot question in November to eliminate income tax. 

Opponents of the legislation claim Missouri taxpayers will actually pay more in sales tax, increasing the net total taxes paid. The increased sales tax could potentially harm Missouri workers and benefit those with higher income.