Missouri fuel tax plan passes Senate, now to the House--then to voters in November? | stltoday.com

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

Motorists in Missouri could see higher prices at the pumps under a plan advancing in the Legislature.

The Senate endorsed a plan Wednesday, 21-10, to ask voters in November whether they want to raise the 17-cents-per-gallon motor fuel tax by 5.9 cents. . . .

Last week [bill sponsor Doug Libla of Poplar Bluff] told the Senate the fuel tax is the fairest way to finance highway projects at a time when the list of crumbling bridges and roads is growing.

“If you drive more, you pay a little more. If you drive less, you pay a little less,” Libla said at the time.

Supporters said an increase is overdue. A 2014 referendum to raise the sales tax for highway improvements failed.

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Missouri fuel tax plan passes Senate, now to the House--then to voters in November? | stltoday.com

MoBikeFed comment: Missouri is facing a crisis in highway funding--one far more serious than most citizens in Missouri realize.

But the facts show that the crisis in state transit and pedestrian/bicycle funding in Missouri is even worse than the highway funding crisis.

Meeting with legislators and MoDOT leaders in Jefferson City this legislative session, we have been taking this message:

Missouri's dramatic underinvestment in transit, walking, and bicycling harms the ability of communities across the state to compete in today's global marketplace

• Missouri ranks 44th of the 50 states in public transportation funding.

• Missouri spend just 9 cents per capita on public transportation funding; our bordering states average $2.85 per capita (excluding Illinois, which spends $66.30 per capita).

• Missouri provides no state transportation funding for walking or bicycling.

• People in every Missouri county depend on public transportation, walking, and bicycling for access to vital jobs, school, and medical care. This is an issue for communities large and small; urban, suburban, and rural.

• Transportation options that meet the needs of all citizens are vital for a strong economy and the public health.

• As a far outlier state in state funding for public transportation, walking, and bicycling, Missouri harms its economy and drives talent and business to more competitive states.

Transportation means a lot more than just highways. Support a comprehensive solution to state transportation funding that meets the needs of all Missourians.