TIME FOR ACTION IS HERE ON THE GAS TAX QUESTION

The Missouri General Assembly is four weeks into its 1992 session. The legislators should be commended for using this time to study an issue of great importance and immediacy for this state: the gas tax increase for highway project funding. Now, having seen the facts, having studied the benefits, having taken a look into the future of Missouri, lawmakers must act on the passage of this measure. Thoughtful deliberation must be followed by conscientious action.

Republican Gov. John Ashcroft supports the passage of this 6-cent tax increase. Democratic leaders in the legislature, House Speaker Bob Griffin and Senate President James Mathewson, also back the measure. In most cases, such a top-heavy issue breezes to passage. Circumstances differ in this instance. Wayne Muri, Missouri's highway chief, explained to a Jefferson City civic organization this week a four-point rationale why the tax hike and its accompanying infrastructure improvements might not come about. The reasons: coming legislative elections; political uncertainties caused by legislative redistricting; the huge defeat in November of a tax increase for education; and the economic downturn that grips the nation.

Because of these factors, the very capable highway department boss and legislative leaders spend much of their time these days answering questions about the tax and the benefits it will deliver. To their credit, even doubtful lawmakers remain open-minded to the proposal and embrace the educational effort being carried on by the highway improvement advocates. Many who have studied the measure are won over by the compelling evidence. Griffin and Mathewson patiently and wisely let the matter stew, but the time has come for action.

This tax issue catapults Missouri into the future in terms of roads and bridges. It increases the safety factor of state highways and will bolster economic development. Because of the federal highway legislation approved last fall, Missouri gets a more advantageous return on the money it sends to Washington; for every dollar the state provides in matching money, it gets four back from the U.S. government. The Missouri Highway and Transportation Department has a good track record for delivering on promises, and many of the projects promised in this proposal will directly benefit Southeast Missouri. Missouri's gas tax rate remains lower those in neighboring states. In addition to all this, the state has a chance to put its people to work immediately improving roads and bridges; however, a construction season will pass if the legislature does not act soon.

Though most of the state leadership is behind this measure, it is not a lock for passage. We accept the no-tax sentiments in the state, and most of the time foster them. The facts in this case, however, point to something beyond mere revenue enhancement; this is an investment in Missouri, a good "buy" for our state. We urge the Missouri General Assembly to act on the gas tax increase this week, to put people to work and to build for the future.