Vote yes on Amendment 3

Many recognize my heart-felt antipathy for taxes. I hold deep conviction that every societal shortcoming doesn't deserve a tax-funded remedy, and any new tax must accomplish overwhelming good that's unavailable from the private sector.

That standard informs my strong support for Amendment 3 -- which increases Missouri's 50th lowest per pack tax, raising price (60 cents) enough to reduce smoking by 5 percent, especially among youth. Any reduction in smoking promises to durably bend the medical cost curve downward.

The tax will collect Constitutionally-protected funding for thousands more Missouri children to start Pre-K learning. Pre-K boosts each child's start in life, granting the Big Advantage affluent kids commonly receive, kick starting every young life with earlier learning that foundationally initiates their contribution to achieving our state's true potential.

"Penny wise, pound foolish" how Missouri barely funds Pre-K. Only 3 percent of 4-year-olds attend, putting Missouri's best hope far behind kids in every neighboring state. Unfair to 97 percent, who all deserve a basic opportunity to start learning early; permanently depriving them. Fact is those attending quality Pre-K are prepared to produce more throughout life, as examined by Michigan's HighScope Perry Preschool Study that followed Pre-K children for 40 years, showing, "... adults at age 40 who had the preschool program had higher earnings, were more likely to hold a job."

I hope Missourians join me voting for Amendment 3, good for improving health, an overwhelmingly good investment to help our children and state, paying dividends long into the future.

T. Robin Cole, III, Jackson