JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi lawmakers have ignored, and killed, two bills that would've let cities to impose a local sales tax.
Under the bills that died Wednesday, cities could've held elections to see if citizens approved of an additional 1 percent tax. If at least 60 percent of voters said yes, the tax could've been set and the money would've been used to improve streets or water systems or to build parks.
House Bill 523 died when Municipalities Committee Chairman Ed Blackmon chose not to bring it up for debate before a Wednesday deadline. Blackmon, a Democrat from Canton, says the bill lacked widespread support.
Senate Bill 2145 died in the Senate Finance Committee.
Opponents say the tax would've unfairly hurt rural residents who shop in cities.
Similar bills have died for years.
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