Could a Possible MO Fuel Sales Tax Have a Silver Lining?

Taxes...we love to pay them, right? I'll wait for a few minutes for your blood pressure to come down and for the redness to dissipate from your face. Of course the answer to the question is a resounding NO, but this possible Missouri Fuel Sales Tax could be one that you wouldn't complain about...too much!

As voters have consistently rejected a fuel tax increase to help provide funding for Missouri’s aging transportation infrastructure, a plan by MO House Transportation Committee Chair Becky Ruth could help not only Missouri’s aging transportation infrastructure but also taxpayers.

Ruth has been trying to come up with some innovative ideas to help out with the cost of repairs for Missouri's roads and bridges. She may have found a solution from legislation that was passed into law in South Carolina in 2017.

This week she unveiled a plan she created that would increase Missouri’s fuel tax to generate much-needed transportation funding, but would also give taxpayers the option to recover the taxes paid if they choose to do so.

HB 1044 would increase the gas tax in Missouri by 2 cents per gallon on January 1, 2022. The tax would then increase by additional 2 cents each year until a total of five increases have occurred. The bill would also allow Missourians to file for a refund for the increased tax that was paid with fuel purchases.

It was noted that Missouri has the nation’s seventh largest highway network, but ranks 48th in the nation in funding.

According to Ruth:

"I am excited to work with my colleagues in the House to move this legislation through the process, and hopefully into law this year.”