by Estil Fretwell
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
At a time when intense conflict between candidates and competing interests is the norm in politics, it is refreshing and reassuring when broad, diverse organizations work together for a common goal for the benefit of all Missourians. Amendment #1, to renew the 1/10 cent sales tax for state parks and soil conservation, is supported by agricultural and environmental organizations alike.
Since 1984, Missourians funded state parks and soil erosion control programs with this fraction-of-a-cent sales tax. In 1988 and 1996, voters renewed this tax by an overwhelming two-to-one margin. On August 8, Missourians have the opportunity to decide again to continue the parks and soils sales tax.
Half of the tax revenues are earmarked to conserving Missouri’s soil and water resources. In the last 22 years, our state’s soil erosion rates were cut in half, saving more than 148 million tons of soil and protecting our streams from sediment. Still, 3.7 million Missouri acres are eroding above tolerable levels, and more work is needed to continue to provide us with a safe, abundant and affordable food supply.
The other half of the tax funds Missouri state parks and historic sites, with a major portion of the park funds used to repair and improve existing locations. As a result, visitor centers, campgrounds, roads and other facilities are in much better shape today, and a maintenance program is underway to assure our parks stay in good shape. More than 17 million people visit our 83 state parks and historic sites each year, with an annual economic impact of $538 million. Tourism is one of the state’s largest industries.
Constitutional Amendment #1 guarantees the funds generated by the 1/10 cent sales tax can only be used for state parks and soil and water conservation purposes. Furthermore, these programs are totally dependent upon this sales tax and do not receive any general revenue support from the state.
I contend the parks and soils programs enjoy strong public support because they do exactly what they were intended to do, the revenues are being spent exactly as designed, and the funding measure contains a sunset clause requiring voter approval for reauthorization. Amendment #1 must be renewed every 10 years, keeping the programs accountable to the public.
During my 20 years with Missouri Farm Bureau, I worked twice on initiative petition efforts for renewal of the parks and soils sales tax, which thankfully was not required this time because the Missouri General Assembly acted to place the issue on the ballot.
The experience of working together which such diverse and broad-based organizations for the continuation of the 1/10 cent sales tax is extremely rewarding. It serves as an example of what can be accomplished when we set aside differences, and is a testimony to the worthiness of the parks and soil conservation programs for present and future generations to come.
(Estil Fretwell, of Jefferson City, Mo., is the director of public affairs for the Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization.)