JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Senate plans to debate a 1-cent sales tax increase for transportation this week.

Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard says he expects debate to begin today. The proposed constitutional amendment cleared the House earlier this year and would need to be approved by voters in November to take effect.

A similar proposal stalled in the Senate last year during the closing days of the Legislature's session. It was blocked by a group of conservative Republicans who argued raising taxes was contrary to the party's values.

The measure is expected to generate $8 billion over the 10-year life span of the tax. Funding would be used for construction, operating costs and alternative modes of transportation.

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Transportation is HJR48

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Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov