
JEFFERSON CITY (AP) – Missouri lawmakers have approved funding for capital needs on college campuses and state facilities and even endorsed a half-billion-dollar sales tax proposal to bolster money for transportation.
After rejecting previous bonding proposals and a tax increase to pay for infrastructure needs, the state’s Republican-led Legislature proved more receptive during its annual session that wrapped up Friday.
The final score card includes money for construction of a new building at the Fulton State Hospital and a bonding package for renovation and maintenance needs at state facilities and on college campuses.
Voters also will decide later this year on a three-quarters-of-a-cent transportation sales tax increase, which is expected to raise $534 million annually.
Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey says Missouri’s infrastructure needs aren’t going away.