Chamber encourages 'yes' vote

To the citizens of Cape Girardeau and Jackson, your chambers of commerce have given a strong endorsement on the use tax and vehicle sales tax renewal initiatives being voted upon in the upcoming April 5 election. These issues were vetted by staff and unanimously endorsed by the board. It was determined by leaders serving on the board that an endorsement was in the long-term best interest of our communities.

The local use tax applies to items purchased out of state and used in Missouri. Entities currently not paying the county and state use tax will likely not be affected. If passed, the revenue will go toward a number of public safety and economic development initiatives.

The vehicle sales tax renewal is not a new tax but a continuation of the way local taxes have been paid since 1959 on motor vehicles, boats, trailers and outboards purchased out of state but used in Missouri. Money generated has long been a part of Cape and Jackson's budget to help support services such as police, fire, parks and maintenance. Without passage there could be a reduction in some services. In addition, non-passage puts a number of local businesses at a competitive disadvantage versus out of state businesses.

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce encourages your family, friends and co-workers who live in the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson to vote "yes." Every vote counts!

Bob Neff, Cape Girardeau, Chairman of the board, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce