Local officials pushed back this week against a Missouri Senate bill that would end both state and local sales tax on food and grocery items.State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican, said the bill is an attempt to increase affordability for Missourians as prices rise.“Missourians are paying more and more for necessities,” Coleman said. “Most of us agree fundamentally that essential services should not be funded on the backs of the poor.”Coleman said a family of four would save $54 per month with the removal of grocery sales tax.