HJR68 Clears the Senate Transportation Committee

From the Chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission:

Things are happening fast and furious in Jefferson City, and I’m very pleased to report to you that House Joint Resolution 68 – the proposal to allow Missourians to vote on a 1-cent temporary sales tax that could be used for any transportation purpose – was introduced at the Senate Transportation Committee hearing yesterday, and was approved this morning by a vote of 6 to 1.  All those who testified before the Committee agreed on the following points:

• Transportation is a core function of government
• Transportation is vital to economic development and the vitality of the state
• There is insufficient funding to meet the needs of Missourians
• New funding must be found
• MoDOT has the trust and confidence of the Legislature – and in the words of one Senator, MoDOT is “exemplary” of how government should function

The next step in the process is for the resolution to be placed on the Senate floor for full Senate debate as early as next week.  Let me remind you the last day of the Legislative session is May 16 – two days after the Commission’s next monthly meeting which is May 14 in Jefferson City.

Let’s hope for a fruitful next four weeks!

If you would like to communicate with the Commission, you can always reach us at MHTC@modot.mo.gov.

Safe travels!


Stephen R. Miller
Chairman