LEGISLATORS LAUD TAX PLAN, BUT WILL THEY SKIP PUBLIC?

JEFFERSON CITY - During his three years in the Missouri House of Representatives, talk from colleagues about the need for additional state revenue has made David Schwab squirm.

Schwab has been adamantly opposed to tax increase proposals, often asking how Missouri government can need more money when its budget has more than doubled since the early 1980s. The Jackson Republican has also made it clear that if a tax hike were proposed, it ought to be taken to voters for approval.

But after reviewing a proposal for a 6-cent gas tax increase from the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department and the impact it would have on Southeast Missouri, Schwab admits he is giving serious consideration to supporting a quick enactment of a fuel tax hike.

"I think it is something we really ought to consider," said Schwab Thursday. "It definitely has some positives to it and does a lot for our whole area."

Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau, is also inclined to move quickly on increasing the state's fuel tax. "I am leaning toward supporting it and taking quick action," said Kasten.

The highway department this week released a list of projects that could be funded over the next 15 years if Missouri approved a 6-cent fuel tax increase. The revenue could be used to match additional federal funds available from the new highway bill.

Highway officials are proposing a 2-cent increase this year, and 2 cents additional in 1994 and 1996. In addition, they are suggesting that state legislators could also enact the increase without triggering the state's constitutional limit on spending and not have to go to a vote of the people.

By acting right away, Missouri could take full advantage of all federal money that is available and generate 7,800 jobs immediately for this construction season. Missouri will receive about $4 from the federal government for each $1 the state spends on its highway system.

Bypassing a vote of the people, especially in light of the 2 to 1 defeat of a tax increase for education in November, has many area legislators uncomfortable.

Schwab and Kasten are among those experiencing discomfort over the idea of bypassing a statewide vote to speed up the process. On the other hand, they like the idea of providing an immediate economic boost to Missouri, getting maximum return of available federal dollars and starting projects of importance to the region immediately.

"Ordinarily, I think people ought to be able to vote on their taxes, but I am really enthused about the fact this will provide 7,800 jobs right now," said Kasten. "I think it is almost essential to continue getting jobs for our area; there are a lot of benefits for the Southeast Missouri area.

"It is a hard decision on whether to bypass a vote of the people, but in this case I think we have to take some leadership and say `this needs to be done.'"

Under the proposal, Highways 25, 34, and 72, which all run into Jackson, would be re-built and could eventually become four-lane. A long-sought I-55 interchange at Oak Ridge would also be part of the package.

Schwab said he has heard many positive comments about Proposition A and the road projects funded through it, and believes that makes this plan acceptable to the people.

"I would like an indication from the public on their thoughts about this, but I would imagine feedback will be pretty positive," he observed. "I certainly would welcome comments from my district before we take such a big step."

State Reps. Joe Driskill and Mark Richardson agree the projects would be a boon for their districts, but they are not ready to agree to circumvent a vote of the people.

Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, said all legislators have known for some time they would be faced with raising fuel taxes to match additional federal highway money, but always operated under the assumption the increase would go to a statewide vote.

"The idea of doing it now without approval of the people worries me some," said Rich~ard~son. "I'm not sure that I am in ~favor of that.

"The obvious advantage though is that if we act quickly, we can create as many as 7,800 jobs immediately and the spring and summer contract lettings will stimulate the economy. That is a tempting tradeoff, but at this point, I am very reluctant, particularly in light of the Proposition B vote, to take this out of the hands of voters."

Richardson said he believes voters would approve the plan but would prefer to see a "ground~swell of public support."

Driskill, D-Poplar Bluff, has put out an appeal to voters in his district to tell him whether they support a 6-cent increase, what their reaction is to the projects outlined, and whether they believe the increase should be submitted for voter action.

"I really want to know what the people feel," said Driskill. "It is up to me to point out what the facts are."

Driskill said he has requested information from the highway department on how much of the money would be used on administrative expenditures for the department.

"I am fascinated and concerned at the same time. I am fascinated because if the promise of highway construction in my area is true, it will be a great benefit," Driskill said. "This is probably the greatest highway construction effort ever in the history of Missouri.

"But I am also concerned and scared that people might think this thing is too much, and coming on the heels of a clear indication from people (Proposition B) that they don't want to pay any more taxes."

Driskill said he does not necessarily agree that this needs to be approved immediately.

Rep. Larry Thomason, D-Kennett, believes lawmakers should act quickly but put it before voters in April for their approval.

"I very strongly favor increasing the gas tax, but I have strong reservations about increasing any tax without going to the people, regardless of whether it is allowable under Hancock or not," said Thomason. "At this point, I honestly don't know how I would vote."

Thomason said he will work to send the proposal to voters, but if that effort fails, he would be reluctant to bypass voters.

Sen. John Dennis, D-Benton, said he strongly supports a gas tax increase but wants a vote of the people.

"I am not sure we should bypass the Hancock Amendment on this; I am going to support a vote of the people," said Dennis.

The veteran senator ac~knowledged, however, that there are probably enough votes in the Senate to enact the tax.

Sen. Danny Staples, D-Eminence, stressed that getting $4 from the federal government for each $1 is a good return and the projects will benefit all of Missouri. Staples pointed out that even with a gas tax increase, Missouri will still have one of the lowest in the nation.

Still, Staples prefers giving the voters the final say. "On the heels of Proposition B, I really think we need to take this to the people. If we don't, the voters of Missouri will say `look what they did to us,'" said Staples. "I think a majority of the voters will support it, so why not send it to the people?"

Rep. Dennis Ziegenhorn, D-Sikeston, said he sees no reason to circumvent the people on an issue they will likely support.

"I just don't feel this is that bad of a proposition to put to the people," said Ziegenhorn. "I think if we try to bypass them it will hack a lot of people off that would have voted in favor of it if it was on the ballot.

"If I thought it was going to blow 8,000 jobs that we really need I would give it a second thought, but I'm not sure that's the case. I think we should get it to the people as quickly as possible, rather than use a technicality to avoid the people."

Rep. Jim Graham, R-Fredericktown, wants to hear some input from constituents before making a decision. The additional federal dollars, new jobs, and strong projects for his district are quite appealing.

"I would rather have the people make a choice on it, but then again, they have elected us to make decisions. I will visit with people in the area to see what their input is," said Graham.

"I think people right now want no kind of tax increase, but yet people are more likely to support something where they will actually see their dollars put to work and help the economy."

Graham said he will definitely support a gas tax hike, but is undecided on bypassing voters.

Rep. Gene Copeland, D-New Madrid, said he has no doubt. Because of the state's pressing highway needs, he will support any plan to improve them.

"I would vote for any way to get a gas tax increase in this state. We have got to have some money and now is the opportunity with the federal government providing more funds," declared Copeland.

"I think the people would pass it, but by doing this now we can start construction in the spring; we'll lose a year of construction by sending it to the people. I am elected to do what I think is best, and we need this to kick in jobs and boost the economy."