Missouri Constitutional Amendment 1
Simple majority required.Ballot wording: Shall Missouri continue for 10 years the one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax that is used for soil and water conservation and for state parks and historic sites, and resubmit this tax to the voters for approval in 10 years? The measure allows continued collection of the existing sales and use tax, which generates revenue of approximately $140 million annually.Summary: The measure would renew a one-tenth-of-a-cent state sales tax for an additional 10 years. The tax first passed in 1984 and was last renewed in 2016 with 80% of the vote. It raises approximately $140 million a year to fund state parks, historic sites, soil and conservation programs and agricultural land projects. The funding supports identification and regulation of historic and fragile land that could be threatened by development. The funds cannot be used for any other state purpose. Proponents say the program increases the quality of life for Missourians by funding parks and other outdoor sites, attracts tourism and protects the quality of water and soil. Opponents say the provision lacks sufficient oversight from the Legislature and infringes on private property rights. They also complain that the revenue cannot be diverted to other needs.
