Activist Petition Argues For 'Special Use Sales Tax' Priorities

An ongoing effort that we'll here more about soon, here's a statement from some of our most dedicated local denizens . . . Check-it: 

Activists Submit Signatures for Kansas City Ballot Initiative 

A local ballot initiative could be a game changer for our buses, parks and economic development in Kansas City.

MORE2started gathering signatures in spring, so Kansas City voters can decide if their online sales tax, referred to as “local use tax,” should be divided up the same as sales tax purchases in stores. What started with a quest to get the park around Brush Creek fixed up became this  ballot initiative, which could also save as many as ten bus routes that are currently on the chopping block.  

The group will be turning in about 3,000 signatures Thursday following the press conference.  

"Every political deal made for the affluent is paid for by everyday people. When leaders prioritize private profit over community stability, working-class neighborhoods pay the price. We aren't asking for favors—we're asking for what’s ours to be restored,” said Rev. Antonie Lee, Chair of the Brush Creek Task Force/ Sr. Pastor of Central Christian Church.

Voters in Kansas City started approving special use taxes years ago. Each time one of these taxes gets passed, the amount of local use tax collected from online and catalog sales increases, but the special use item does not get that revenue. Instead, Kansas City has been putting that money into General Revenue, where mayor and council appropriate it. That money, projected to be $102 million in this budget year, is allocated elsewhere.

“ATU Local 1287 believes the money from the use tax will provide revenue for bus routes for the community and to keep operators employed at KCATA,” Will Howard, President ATU Local 1287 offered. 

“KC Voters, we know you think bus service is important. You voted to tax yourselves for it, twice. We’re now asking you to affirm that with a third vote,” Doug Shafer, Brush Creek Task Force member quipped.
#############

Take a look at a promo video on the topic via www.TonysKansasCity.com embed . . .

Developing . . .