MISSOURI VOTERS TO DECIDE ON 10-YEAR SALES TAX EXTENSION

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Conservation Commission has voted to throw its support behind Constitutional Amendment 8, a ballot initiative to extend the state sales tax supporting state parks and soil and water conservation programs.

At its meeting at Montauk State Park Oct. 21, the Commission voted unanimously to support reauthorization of the one-tenth of one percent sales tax used by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for soil and water conservation, state parks and historic sites. Voters approved the original initiative establishing the sales tax for parks, soil and water conservation in 1984. It contained a "sunset" clause, meaning that the tax would end unless Missourians extended it with another statewide vote. In 1988, voters agreed to extend the tax for 10 years. On Nov. 5, Missourians will vote on another 10-year extension.

The Department of Conservation will receive no funds from the tax extension proposed in Amendment 8. Conservation activities are supported by a separate one-eighth of one percent sales tax voters approved in 1976, and which does not include a sunset clause. The MDC receives no money from state general revenues.

All its funding comes from the one-eighth of one percent sales tax, revenues from the sale of hunting, fishing and other permits, and from federal matching funds for fish- and wildlife-related programs.