Senator Lewis Aims to Eliminate Grocery Tax, Lower Costs for Families

“Missouri should join 33 other states in not taxing groceries.”

JEFFERSON CITY — As Missouri families continue to pay higher prices - attributed by many to tariffs - State Senator Patty Lewis, D-Kansas City, filed legislation to get money back in Missourians’ pockets by eliminating the state’s grocery tax.

“Higher grocery prices have made it harder and harder for Missouri families to make ends meet,” Sen. Lewis said. “People are tired of paying more while the wealthy and well-connected get all the tax breaks. My bill would put families first, eliminate Missouri’s grocery tax and provide real relief for the middle class.”

Senate Bill 1017 states “retail sales of food shall be exempt from state sales taxes.” If passed into law, Missouri would join 33 other states in not placing a state sales tax on groceries, including its neighboring states of Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Nebraska. 

According to the Consumer Price Index, food costs have increased more than 5% since January 2024. 

Senator Lewis says this will be one of her top priorities when the General Assembly’s next legislative session begins on January 7.  

Please visit Sen. Lewis’ official Missouri Senate website for more information on her legislative agenda at senate.mo.gov/Lewis.

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