LETTERS: DEMOCRATS WON'T ALLOW PROPOSALS TO CUT TAX ON FOOD

To the editor:

The sales tax on food imposed by local governments is 4 cents on every dollar spent in some places in Missouri, with the highest at 5.225 cents. When will state legislators realize that taxing food is wrong and find a responsible way to end this tax on a vital necessity?

Legislation to end local sales taxes on food and replace the lost revenue to local governments has been ignored by our legislative leadership and the governor. Since local sales taxes are continuously increasing, a compromise has been proposed by Don't Tax Food, a statewide coalition. This proposal would provide relief from future increases in local sales taxes on food.

Last week we learned the Democratic leadership in the Missouri House has forbidden any amendments that would change the local sales taxes on food. At the same time, the House voted to exempt memberships in health clubs and golf clubs from state and local sales taxes.

The amendment to curb future local sales taxes on food has been endorsed by the House Republican minority floor leader and individual Republicans and Democrats.

We are outraged that the House Democratic leadership won't allow any amendment regarding local sales taxes on food. If you are too, you will want to let the majority leadership in the House and your own state representative and state senator know.

PATRICIA S. MARTIN

Chair

Missourians for Tax Justice

St. Louis