Fund roads without sales tax

On Aug. 5 voters will be asked to consider Constitutional Amendment 7 (SS HJR No. 68) that will raise the Missouri sales and use taxes by three-fourths of 1 percent "solely to fund state and local highways, roads, bridges and 'transportation projects' for ten years, with priority given to repairing unsafe roads and bridges." Just what are "transportation projects?" They will "include...but [are] not limited to aviation, mass transportation, transportation for elderly and handicapped persons, railroads, ports, waterborne commerce, intermodal connections, bicycle and pedestrian improvements."

Understandably, Missouri motor fuel tax revenue has dwindled due to increased fuel efficiency and is, by law, dedicated to road construction and maintenance. Fuel taxes target those who actually use the roads/bridges; sales taxes are regressive and inefficient. Wouldn't it be better to just adjust the fuel tax to correct the imbalance?

Also, Amendment 7 requests many millions more than needed for the purposes stated. What will be done with the money? Five percent will be deposited in the County Aid Transportation Fund; 5 percent will be distributed to the Municipal Aid Transportation Fund; 90 percent will go into the new Transportation Safety and Job Creation Fund for state purposes. What the heck does that mean?

Put a halt to excessive spending on ill-defined transportation projects. Do we really need more bicycle paths when we have so many crumbling roads and bridges? If fuel taxes are best for constructing and maintaining our roads, why are we dreaming up new taxes?

Vote "no" on Amendment 7.

BARBARA BARNARD, Jackson