Missouri gas tax increase of 12.5 cents/gallon heads to Governor’s desk

From MISSOURI INDEPENDENT –

The Missouri House passed the first tax increase that would go into effect on a governor’s signature in 28 years Tuesday night after a lengthy debate that exposed deep divisions in the Republican caucus.

On two votes, the Republican majority of 113 split almost evenly, first on the question of whether to seek voter approval of a 12.5-cent per gallon fuel tax and then on final passage. 

The 49 Democrats, which one minority member noted were only needed when the GOP was split, gave only one vote to an amendment from Rep. Jason Chipman that sought to send the tax increase to the ballot for voter approval.