HOUSE HAPPENINGS: Be critical on amending our state constitution

Several weeks ago, in this column, I outlined that our state constitution appeared to be under attack. There were (and are) various proposals to amend Missouri’s Constitution scheduled for voter consideration this year. I don’t think our constitution should be taken lightly; consequently, I don’t personally support very many of these proposals. Most of them will be on the ballot in November’s General Election; however, Governor Blunt has placed one proposal on the ballots we will mark in the Primary Election, August 8^th. I support the Governor’s action in separating this issue, partly because voters may become frustrated and vote "no" en masse on a long list of amendments.

Reconsideration of Missouri’s "Parks and Soils Tax" is a very important issue and it deserves our somewhat undivided attention. Personally, I have studied the issues and have determined to support both the reauthorization of the one-tenth of one percent tax and the resubmission of the issue for a vote each ten years hereafter. Each of you should, individually, study the issue and, independently, make your own choice according to your personal values.

I have read and heard some information on the subject in our local media and I suspect there will be more to help you make up your mind. A few points that helped me in my decision include:

#The one-tenth of one-percent tax is already in existence. It is described in Article IV, Section 47a, 47b and 47c.#Initially approved by voters in August 1984 and reauthorized in November 1988 and November 1996.#Revenue is about $80 million annually and is divided equally for soil and water conservation programs and to fund Missouri’s state park programs.#Soil and water programs have cut our topsoil losses in half by funding management practices, mostly in rural areas. Counties in our area receive appropriations that equal several times the amount of tax revenue we submit to Jefferson City.#The state park’s system gets about 75% of its funding from these proceeds. Our system attracts over 17 million visitors each year, each of whom contributes to our economy in various ways.This "Parks and Soils Tax" appears to be one of our most favorably supported of all the various taxes we absorb. There are several "support groups" but, to my knowledge, there is no organized opposition at this time. Again, the tax is already in place and is applied with other sales taxes on applicable purchases. Examples of the "Parks and Soils Tax" to us as purchasers might be: a shirt or blouse priced at $20 – two cents; a $69.95 power tool – seven cents; furniture or appliances costing $800 – only eighty cents. Those illustrations aren’t much, but statewide they total $80 million. Missouri has done a lot with these revenues since 1984. With your approval, Missouri will do a lot more during the next ten years.If we can assist you during the interim with questions or concerns regarding any issue, please feel free to contact Pam at the Jefferson City office. Our number there is 573-751-1649 and the email address is [email protected]. You can also contact me at the district office at 660-359-3988.