MO Chamber Supports SB540

Brian Bunten, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director of Governmental Affairs, will be testifying in support on behalf of members of the Missouri Chamber and the Missouri Chamber Federation. Since the bill was first introduced, Brian has been speaking with Missouri Chamber members, the Missouri Chamber Transportation Policy Council and the Missouri Chamber Federation to arrive at this position.
 
The Missouri Chamber supports Senate Bill 540 as a step toward addressing the transportation funding shortfall that Missouri currently faces.  Missouri’s gas tax is lower than any of our neighboring states and is the fourth lowest in the nation.
 
If passed, Missouri would receive $165 million additional dollars over three years to address transportation needs.  This funding is especially important to local communities, as 30 percent of fuel taxes support local cities and counties.  Currently, local governments receive $179 million annually.
 
Some employer members have reservations about the legislation. Some fear that the legislation does not go far enough and will harm the ability to secure a more comprehensive funding package in future years.  There are also some concerns about the inflation indexing.  The late hearing date of this legislation will make passage of Senate Bill 540 more difficult.
 
Despite these challenges, the business community will take this opportunity to voice our urgent need to address transportation funding. We encourage any member of the Missouri Chamber Federation to travel to Jefferson City this week to testify.  We also ask that you reach out to your local legislators and ask their support of this bill.