Earlier this week, I voted for House Joint Resolution 68, which would implement a temporary three-quarter cent sales tax increase in an effort to fund transportation projects. The passing of this bill will bring the issue to a vote. It will then be up to the voters of Missouri to decide if this temporary tax increase for transportation projects is needed. While I am sure no one is gladly anticipating a tax increase, I had to weigh the pros and cons of the situation and what would be best for the district as a whole. And based on the phone calls and discussion that I have had in the district about the shape of our roads, I know it is a priority of yours, also.

The tax increase would be implemented for 10 years. House Joint Resolution 68 divides the additional funds into three categories. Ninety percent of the funding will be placed into a newly created Transportation Safety and Job Creation Fund. This money will be used for Missouri highways. The second category is a newly created County Aid Transportation Fund. Five percent of all funds will be deposited here and may be used to fix local highways and bridges, county transportation systems and state highway systems. The remaining 5 percent of total funds will be placed in the Municipal Aid Transportation Fund, which may be distributed to cities, towns and villages in efforts to fix local roads, streets, city transportation systems and state highway systems. By allowing the state to help provide funding for the projects, I believe we can complete these projects quickly and efficiently.

While I typically want to keep all tax increases to a minimum, I have found that this increase will benefit my district greatly. Northeast Missouri has roughly 119 bridges that need repairs, but lack the funding to accomplish these projects. It is my hope that the temporary tax increase will provide the funds to complete these projects and help Northeast Missouri to maintain quality roads and bridges throughout the region.

As always, never hesitate to call my office with any questions or concerns.