1-cent sales tax proposed for Mo. transportation

Thursday, January 24, 2013

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is suggesting a 1-cent sales tax for 10 years that would be dedicated for transportation.

Commission chairman Rudy Farber says the tax — which would require voter approval — would generate an estimated $7.9 billion over 10 years. The revenue would be spread among the state, counties and cities.

Farber discussed the plan Thursday at a transportation conference sponsored by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The proposal would call for funding to widen Interstate 70 between Independence and Wentzville.

Concern about funding for Missouri’s transportation system has been growing. Transportation officials say construction money declined from $1.2 billion to less than $700 million during the past year.

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JCsleeper 4 months, 3 weeks ago

Just what is needed - a 1% loss of spending power for everyone. This is an extra $200 on a $20,000 vehicle purchase. Wish they would just hurry up and confiscate all income, then give the peasants a bare existence.

herewego 4 months, 3 weeks ago

But, they have 6 MILLION laying around to buy a new airplane.

linoge 4 months, 3 weeks ago

Perhaps a full cent increase is too much. It might be better to ask for a 1/4 or 1/2 cent increase at first and then show the people what they are getting for their money. Also, there has been a lot of talk lately about the consequences of slashing the mental health budget. Historically this has always been one of the first areas to be cut. Maybe we should look at cutting back on the taxes that are funneled into the state's conservation programs. I think conservation programs are great but during lean times, every area should be asked to cut back. Besides, our conservation department has become top heavy with big shots and their field agents have become arrogant bullies. Whatever plan they come up with to maintain our highways, let's stay away from toll roads. Toll roads are always sold to the public as a way of neatly sidestepping our tax obligations. In the long run, they end up being costly boondoggles that have to be rescued with taxpayer funding anyway. No easy answers.

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