Your Opinion: Transportation tax views 3

Dear Editor:

Transportation in Missouri needs help, there are no two ways about it. MoDOT has already cut to the bone, eliminating positions, closing facilities and even not starting new projects. On Aug. 5 Missourians will be voting on Amendment 7, which will provide funding for statewide transportation improvements through a three-fourths percent sales tax increase on non-essential items.

Opponents argue that a sales tax is regressive without acknowledging that the measure will not apply to food, prescription drugs, utilities and gasoline. They think the gas tax should be doubled so only road users bear the costs of the proposed improvements. An 18 cents fuel tax increase to equal the $540 million per year in revenue from the proposed sales tax hits low income families driving less fuel efficient cars and senior citizens hard. Transportation is tied to all commerce in the state, so raising the gas tax would not only cost people more to drive to their jobs but also inflate the price of necessities like groceries and prescriptions for those who cannot afford it.

Additionally more fuel efficient cars make gas tax revenue an increasingly ineffective way to pay for transportation needs.

This proposal is not a blank check but an opportunity for regions to prioritize the type of improvements they need from expanding OATS services for seniors to making vital safety improvements to roads and bridges. MoDOT held dozens of meetings, listened to citizens' concerns and prepared their project lists accordingly. Counties and cities would also receive direct funding from Amendment 7 for their specific transportation needs. The Missouri Constitution limits fuel tax revenues to roads and bridges. Amendment 7 funds may be used for transportation purposes only according to local needs, which may include OATS and city buses serving those on limited incomes.

We take for granted the ability to safely travel around the state. As you drive, walk or ride to the polls on Aug. 5 I ask you to seriously consider how transportation impacts your daily life and vote yes on Amendment 7.