House Joint Resolution (HJR) 68 is a constitutional amendment that would temporarily raise the state sales and use tax by one percent —a penny sales tax increase—to fund transportation projects throughout Missouri.
The Missouri House moved to set the legislation aside after the central debate focused on an amendment to eliminate a provision in the bill that would have provided funding for bicycle paths. The sponsor of the new House amendment argued that the transportation tax increase should solely fund core infrastructure. However, Democrats in the House threatened to withdraw support for the bill after asserting that the state of Missouri should support alternative forms of transportation.
HJR 68 was sponsored by Representative Dave Hinson (R-St. Clair). If the Missouri legislature ultimately passes HJR 68, then the measure will be placed on the ballot for voters to approve in November 2014.