Missouri Transportation Tax Proposal Advances

All members of the Missouri House of Representatives from Northeast Missouri voted to put a sales tax increase for transportation before voters in November. 

Republicans Jim Hansen of Frankford, Lindell Shumake of Hannibal, Bart Korman of High Hill and Craig Redmon of Canton joined Democrat Ed Schieffer of Troy in voting for the measure.

If approved, the constitutional amendment would increase the statewide sales tax by three-quarters-of-a-cent starting in 2015. The measure would be in effect for 10 years and generate an estimated 534 million dollars annually to pay for road and bridge work.

Critics say the tax will hurt those who can least afford it. Supporters say that without more funding, Missouri roads and bridges will fall apart.