Casey Guernsey -- Proposition B

Over the last several weeks, I have been writing about the various propositions on the ballot for next week.

Of the four initiatives, the tobacco tax increase — Proposition B — has spurred the most discussion. It is certainly true that Missouri has the lowest tobacco tax in the nation and that cigarettes can damage our health. However, I am very much a believer in personal responsibility and I simply do not agree that a 760 percent tax increase on a targeted business of any variety is equitable during these challenging economic times. As always, there is much more to this proposition than a tax increase and I'd like to explain that.

We all remember the ballot initiative that dealt with gaming funds (casino and lottery) several years ago. We've also learned that despite the fantastic campaign advertisements promising huge increases in education funding, this did not transpire. What actually happened was a swap in revenue sources for education which kept education funding at the same level. This isn't what the voters thought would take place! All of these funds were supposed to fund increases in dollars to our schools and help solve our education problems. Since then, our largest two school districts remain unaccredited. And now, we are faced with yet another campaign to raise taxes for our schools that could end with a broken promise.

Those supporting Proposition B claim lawmakers could only use the money for education and health care. Missourians have rejected similar tax increases on the ballot in 2002 and 2006. If you look at how this proposition is worded, it mandates the money to be placed in a 'Health and Education Trust Fund' and those funds to be used to educate children about tobacco use. Prop B also increases the amount of money tobacco companies must pay into an escrow fund. The devil is always in the details, and my concern is that this money will be used for tobacco education funding and NOT sent to schools for them to spend on general education improvements, Capital improvements,  text books, etc. I am concerned this won’t increase education dollars like the general public expects, but rather create a new education program that will wind up costing us even more dollars to administer.

Proposition B would also establish a commission of political appointees to spend almost $60 million of our tax dollars per year without oversight. This unelected panel could spend tax dollars on virtually whatever they want with zero accountability.

Diverting money is a classic way to avoid tough decisions to cut spending. I am concerned that this massive tax increase would ensure wasteful spending will continue, or become even worse, in our state. I'm like you; if we have a proposition about education funding - it should be about education funding! This ballot initiative is more about punishing tobacco companies than it is increasing education dollars at our local schools where it is needed.

Our elected officials are accountable each and every election, while the commission established in this initiative is not. In addition, I have never felt a tax increase of this size was necessary to continue to provide existing services in this state when we continue to have tax credits and other spending programs that are out of control.

To me, this proposed tax increase seems too large. For those who believe the funds will go to a good purpose, I will remind them our challenge is not a lack of budget funds, but rather how we spend those dollars. The solution is not more revenue raised on the backs of hard-working citizens; it is prioritizing the funds available and certainly not creating new expensive programs, commissions and propositions as Prop B does.

I am a “no” vote on Proposition B. It is true, we need to spend more money on education and if this proposition had actually done that, I would view it entirely different. However, I do have many constituents that feel otherwise on this proposition. We will soon know the outcome of this issue after the Nov. 6 election.

It is an honor to serve as your Missouri State Representative, and I do appreciate your input on matters of importance to you, your family and community. Please feel free to contact me at 573-751-4285 or casey.guernsey@house.mo.gov. Thank you for taking an active role by voicing your opinions on our state and national governmental matters.