Governor Blunt has signed a new law that puts an end to the unfair tax on Social Security benefits for tens of thousands of Missouri seniors. Missouri was one of only 15 states with this double taxation on senior citizens, and Governor Blunt called on lawmakers to end the tax in his State of the State Address.

"Missouri's tax on Social Security benefits is an unjust cut on Missourians' hard earned income. Like many other challenges this is not a problem we created, but it is a problem we have solved," Gov. Blunt said. "For too long Missouri's Social Security tax has kept seniors from receiving the benefits they earned. I am pleased to sign the Senior Tax Justice Act ending the Social Security cut for tens of thousands of Missouri seniors."

The bill, which was sponsored by House Speaker Rod Jetton, gives tax relief to senior citizens by phasing in a state income tax exemption on Social Security benefits over six years. The law also provides relief for teachers, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, federal employees and railroad workers.

Read the Daily Dunklin Democrat's report on the tax cut for senior citizens below:

State's Seniors Will be Able to Breathe Easier Daily Dunklin Democrat July 10, 2007 Call it a miracle, a God send, fairness, or what you will, seniors in Missouri will be able to breathe a little easier knowing that new legislation called the Senior Tax Justice Act is putting an end to the state's tax on non-private retirement income, ultimately benefiting retired teachers, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, federal employees and railroad workers. Governor Matt Blunt recently signed the new law into effect, assuring Missourians that the legislation will not only help senior citizens within the state, but will also benefit the economy as a whole, adding that the state may come to be more appealing to in-state and out-of-state retirees who may have not previously thought of Missouri as a place for them to spend retirement years. For Robert and Betty Bradley of Senath, Mo., that is a miracle. Betty Bradley, a retired first-grade school teacher, said that before the new legislation, she and her husband had been considering relocating out-of-state to avoid the burdens the state tax placed on them. "The state taxes were just eating us alive," she said. "We are really thankful for what the state has done regarding this matter." "It's just a miracle. An answered prayer," Bradley said. Read the entire article here.