President-elect Donald J. Trump has waffled on his preferences for how his party tackles his agenda, adding to the uncertainty for Republicans.

Missouri residents may soon pay a flat 4% state income tax, under a plan advanced by Republican lawmakers who want to eventually eliminate the tax. At the same time, the GOP proposal would give the General Assembly the power to impose sales taxes on an array of previously untaxed services – everything from massages to furnace maintenance.

The GOP will attempt to pass one massive legislative package including tax cuts, border security and other priorities, putting lawmakers up against a high-stakes deadline.

For the first time since 2018, Missouri lawmakers will work with a new governor. While outgoing Gov. Mike Parson pushed a more budget-focused agenda, Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe already has established policy goals — and a Republican supermajority to accomplish them with.

Extending all of the 2017 tax law could add close to $5 trillion to the national debt. To offset the cost, Trump and Republicans are considering these policies.

As lawmakers prepare for Wednesday’s first day of the legislative session, Republicans and Democrats want to lessen Missourians’ financial burden. Both parties think tax cuts could be a solution, but they can’t agree on which taxes to cut.