A Republican state lawmaker from Mississippi rebuffed a constituent asking about a measure that would eliminate the state corporate franchise tax, WDAM-TV reported on Friday.
"The people of our Great State overwhelmingly share my same or similar views on Government responsibility. I appreciate you going to the trouble to share yours with me, but quite frankly, and with all due respect, I could care less," Rep. Karl Oliver said in his email to Becky Guidry.
Guidry contacted Oliver regarding Senate Bill 2858, which would also include some income tax cuts. According to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, the measure -- which already passed in the state Senate -- would implement $575 million in tax cuts over the next 15 years.
"It is irresponsible of our leadership to suggest eliminating income and corporate franchise taxes when revenue and projections are already down, budgets for various services are being cut across the board and funding for public education and other critical services such as child care, foster care and roads/bridges are underfunded," she wrote.
Oliver responded by taking a jab at her, stating, "I see you are not a native to the Great State of Mississippi nor do you and I have similar political views."
Later in the email, he recommended "that there are a rather large number of like minded citizens in Illinois that would love to see you return."
Guidry said her "blood was boiling" when she read the legislator's message.
"My interpretation was since I was not born here that my opinion just doesn't count," she said. "My husband's family is here. I work and pay taxes, my son goes to public schools in the Gulfport School District. We're involved in our community."
Oliver told the Clarion-Ledger that his response "isn't news," and that Guidry attempted to twist the bill's meaning in order to accuse him of being anti-education.
"Twist it any way you want," Oliver said.
[h/t Talking Points Memo]
