Legislators propose 1-cent transportation sales tax

Last edited 12:55 p.m., Feb. 5, 2013

State lawmakers unveiled a plan this morning in Jefferson City asking voters to approve a 1-cent sales tax dedicated to funding transportation improvements across Missouri. The measure calls for the tax to be in place for 10 years, generating an estimated $7.9 billion for transportation projects during its lifetime.

The bill's sponsors - state Sens. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, and Ryan McKenna, D-Crystal City - held a news conference this morning east of the Capitol on Highway 50 to announce the proposal.

In a phone interview yesterday, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Dan Mehan said while he doesn’t know enough details about the proposal yet to determine if the chamber will endorse it, he is pleased legislators are addressing issues vital to future economic development in the state.

“I’m very excited by the bold steps being taken by lawmakers to address our transportation needs,” Mehan said. “An investment in transportation infrastructure now makes complete sense.

“I’m glad to see our leadership in Jefferson City is not shying away from tough issues.”

The tax proposal comes after Rudy Farber, a Neosho banker who is chairman of the Highways and Transportation Commission, called for the tax Jan. 24 at the Missouri Conference on Transportation in Jefferson City.

“Good, safe and reliable transportation infrastructure is foundational for Missouri’s economy. If we don’t have it, we fall behind. If we cannot maintain it, we fall behind," Kehoe said in a news release. 

The sales and use tax under Senate Joint Resolution 16 would not be collected on gasoline, medicine or groceries, according to the release.