Sales tax is regressive

I applaud the editorial position taken by this newspaper on July 27 in opposition to Amendment 7. In addition to being the largest tax increase in Missouri history, I feel that a sales tax is not the appropriate form of funding our transportation system.

Missouri has a long history of funding our transportation needs by those who use the roads and highways, by a fuel tax. The system has worked well for us for a long time and should be the source of funds for the future. A sales tax is by nature a regressive tax. Even with some basic items removed from the effects of this tax, it will make it harder for middle and lower income families to make ends meet. This would allow large trucks to use and damage our highways and not pay their fair share of that upkeep of those systems.

I would ask that everyone vote "no" on Amendment 7 on Tuesday.

WALTER WILDMAN, MASW, SEMO chapter organizer, Cape Girardeau