The session began earlier this week and the bills were quickly approved by committees despite misgivings from Democratic lawmakers and groups such as those representing the party. film industrywho should lose their tax benefits. The state House of Representatives could vote on the bills early next week.

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One of the bills would introduce a flat personal income tax rate of 3% while increasing deductions for lower income brackets. Former Legislative Tax Bureau chief economist Greg Albrecht called the proposed income tax plan “modestly progressive” over the existing tax code in a study commissioned by a coalition of non-policy think tanks. supporters.

Democratic Rep. Matthew Willard, the state House minority leader, said Thursday that income tax cuts would do little to help low-income households. Citing Albrecht’s study, he noted that people earning between $25,000 and $30,000 a year would only get back $224 under the proposed reforms.

“Even if this plan saves everyone moneythe majority of people who actually benefit don’t need a lot of financial help and those who do need financial help are saving $200, $300 a year – but they need $1,000,” Willard said , a member of the House Ways and Means. committee.

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“If you look at the big picture, I mean the way you make everyone better off, especially in the lower income brackets, is to give them better employment and I think you give more opportunity,” said Secretary of State Richard Nelson. the Department of Revenue and the architect of the governor’s tax reform proposals.

If approved, the flat income tax rate would leave the state with an estimated revenue shortfall of more than $1 billion, which Landry’s proposal calls for filling primarily by raising the sales tax on dozens of digital services and goods such as streaming sites — likely a tougher sell for the GOP-dominated Legislature.