Sales tax hike proposed for Missouri highways

3 months, 3 weeks ago

More money needed as fuel efficient cars cause lower gas tax receipts

The chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission on Thursday called for state legislators to seek voter approval of a 1-cent sales tax for transportation.

Chairman Rudy Farber of Neosho said the tax increase would “get at the heart of the problem,” which is the need to supplement gas tax receipts that are dwindling as cars become more fuel-efficient.

“Now is the time for us to put oil in the engine,” Farber said.

If approved by state voters, the tax increase would generate nearly $8 billion before it would expire in 10 years.

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