Propositions supporters spent 300 times more than opponents

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Supporters of a failed transportation tax increase on last month's ballot spent 300 times more than opponents, according to election finance reports.

Despite losing by a margin of 3-to-1, the Time for Missouri Committee spent more than $3.7 million, Missouri Ethics Commission reports show.

The group No on B reported spending $12,176. Nearly one-third of that money came from the Ozark Chapter of the Sierra Club on July 30. The group spent most of its money buying radio spots.

No on B had more than $1,100 remaining after the election and gave it to Missourians for Tax Justice, a nonprofit group that led opposition to Proposition B.

Time for Missouri had $78,212 remaining after the election. It rolled that money over into a continuing committee fund.

Reports filed with the Ethics Commission show that Time for Missouri continued getting donations from construction and business groups right up until the election. For example, the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association gave $100,000 five days before the election.

The proposal would have raised the state sales tax one-half cent to 4.725 cents on every dollar. It also would raise the state fuel tax 4 cents to a total of 21 cents a gallon for both gasoline and diesel.