JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s soybean farmers have a long history of investing in themselves for a stronger future, both through their statewide organizations and on their individual farms. The farmer leaders of the Missouri Soybean Association apply that same perspective to decisions on policy, and have therefore elected to endorse Proposition D.
“Transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring our soybean are competitive in the global marketplace for the long haul,” said C. Brooks Hurst, president of the Missouri Soybean Association. “Investing in ourselves now through the modest increase proposed in Proposition D helps ensure not only that the economic engine of agriculture continues moving Missouri forward, but also that the Missourians – the farm families, rural communities and small businesses depending on staying connected – have the infrastructure they need.”
Proposition D would fund Missouri state law enforcement and maintenance for highways, bridges, roads and streets by increasing Missouri’s motor fuel tax by 2.5 cents each year for four years, for a total of 10 cents in 2022. The Missouri Department of Transportation is responsible for the 7th largest highway system in the U.S., but is 46th in terms of funding.
The Missouri Soybean Association board of directors voted to endorse Proposition D during their summer board meeting in St. Louis. A summary of the proposition is as follows:
Ballot Summary:
“Shall Missouri law be amended to fund Missouri state law enforcement by increasing the motor fuel tax by two and one half cents per gallon annually for four years beginning July 1, 2019, exempt Special Olympic, Paralympic, and Olympic prizes from state taxes, and to establish the Emergency State Freight Bottleneck Fund?”
Proposition D was referred to the statewide ballot by the General Assembly. Voters have the final decision on this measure when they head to the polls August 7.
