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To Concerned Conservationists,
In the current race for Missouri Governor, a plan has been proposed to redirect all earmarked sales taxes, which were specifically approved by Missourians, to the general revenue where they may be used for any purpose according to the whim of the General Assembly.
The suggested "payback" for the proposal is that these funds could then be used to eliminate the state income tax. The impacted funds would include the Conservation Sales tax and the Parks Soils and Water sales tax.
For decades, Missourians have supported investment in our local communities and conservation efforts through these dedicated sales taxes. The one-eighth of one percent conservation sales tax and the one-tenth of one percent Parks, Soils, and Water sales tax have been investments not only in our outdoor resources, but also for our rural communities. We rely on these sales tax revenues to help our farmers conserve soil and water so we can feed others and to provide safe, welcoming places for all Missourians to enjoy the outdoors for free.
Proposals that would threaten these dedicated sales taxes are short-sighted and ignore the rich history of Missourians advancing their conservation goals. These proposals also conveniently ignore the billions of dollars generated because of our outdoor heritage and agriculture industries in Missouri. The economic impact brought about because of Missourians’ investment through these two sales taxes far outweighs the actual sales tax revenue collected. This is how government investment should work.
This proposal would overturn amendments established to Missouri’s constitution with overwhelming voter support and would take choice away from Missouri citizens of how their tax dollars are spent and invested. For instance, the last approval of the Parks Soils and Water Sales Tax, which provides over $40 million annually to support Missouri farmers and landowners, was supported by more than 80% of Missouri voters and passed in each of our 114 counties. Transferring dedicated sales taxes to Missouri’s General Revenue would overturn this broad support and make these dollars subject to political whims.
We believe in citizen-created investments in Parks, Soils, Waters, and Conservation of fish, forests, and wildlife. We want to push Missouri forward, not take two steps back.
The Conservation Federation of Missouri,
The Missouri Parks and Recreation Association
Like all 501(c)(3) corporations, CFM and MPRA may not endorse or oppose candidates. This letter is not intended to encourage support or opposition to any candidate for Missouri Governor in the upcoming Primary Election. It is intended to educate the public on this critical issue and urge all interested Missourians to Google "shifting funds to eliminate Missouri income tax" to become better informed on the details of the proposal.
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