Transit funds
The General Assembly established the 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force in response to the lack of transportation funding in the state. This 23-member, bipartisan panel evaluated this issue, listened to Missourians’ transportation needs and concerns and released a recommendation earlier this month. It calls for an increase in state gas tax revenues and the creation of a dedicated revenue stream of $50 to $70 million for transit and other multimodal transportation.
If passed by both the legislature and Missouri voters, there would be 10-cent and 12-cent hikes in gas and diesel fuel taxes, respectively. However, this dedicated stream of funding for transit and other multimodal transportation would not require additional taxation.
It proposes a revision of Missouri’s Timely Filing Discount, which allows retailers to retain 2 percent of the sales and use taxes collected from customers if they remit those taxes to the state in a timely manner. This vendor discount is uncapped, and it cost Missourians about $115 million in 2016.
The Missouri Public Transit Association is encouraged by the task force’s recommendation. Although the plan may come with challenges, it is on the right track for transit and multimodal funding.
Kimberly Cella
Executive Director
Missouri Public
Transit Association
St. Louis
If the shoe fits ...
If President Donald Trump’s minority base is OK with him calling a continent and other countries a “shithole,” then Hillary Clinton was right: It is a basket of deplorables. (Jan. 12, 1A, “Trump’s insulting words on immigration set off alarms”)
Stephen Miller
Olathe
Batten the hatches
Our president has referred to Haiti with vulgar language and suggested all Nigerians have AIDS. (Dec. 24, 9A, “June meeting shows Trump’s frustration over immigration”)
His remarks demean our country. He is what used to be called a “loose cannon.”
I hope someone in our government can rein in this person before the United States goes completely out of control.
I also hope those who voted for him are beginning to understand his prejudices. But perhaps their prejudices are the same.
Ruth Kauffman
Overland Park
Sliding scale
The presidents I knew didn’t cuss, at least not the words that go ****. Except for Harry Truman, and he said “hell,” but that was kind of cute.
And, oh yeah, Richard Nixon cussed a lot, but that was on the lost tapes and no one knew about those much.
But then Donald Trump does a whole lot of things that no other president has done, doesn’t he?
Richard C. Lumpkin
Prairie Village
Second chance
President Donald Trump has renominated Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback for another attempt to be ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. (Jan. 9, 4A, “Brownback to get another shot at Trump administration job”)
Let’s hope that the Senate gives him the same reception in 2018 as it did in 2017.
After his abysmal record of assaults against personal freedoms in Kansas, Brownback has absolutely no business being considered for any office with “freedom” in its title.
No, the architect of the Great Kansas Tax Experiment deserves to be banished.
Only in the Trump administration would he be deemed worthy of continued public office.
But perhaps I’m being too harsh. Why not consult the Bible and ask: What would Jesus do?
Scott Roby
Lenexa
Stealth Jayhawks
With a couple of losses early in the season, a lot of University of Kansas men’s basketball fans might think this season’s Jayhawks won’t be as great as their previous seasons, and might not even extend their streak of 13 consecutive Big 12 Conference championships.
However, despite the grumbling from some local fans, I believe the Jayhawks are better than ever. They are simply under the radar.
When it comes to the national championship in April, I think they will most likely win it.
With the thought of the Jayhawks losing steam, other teams will overlook them and not give them the respect they deserve. That will end badly for them.
They can then watch the Jayhawks raise a trophy to celebrate their accomplishments at the end of the season.
Don’t lose hope and confidence in KU when filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket.
Chris Kennedy
Overland Park
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