Mo. lawmakers target sales tax to fund road repairs

Intro:	A measure to add one percent to the state sales tax had its first hearing in the state capitol today, and most lawmakers seem to support a hike in your taxes.
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Some State House members say that the only way to fix crumbling Missouri roads is a 10-year hike in the sales tax.

The tax increase is expected to bring in as much as $8 billion over the next decade. But St. Louis Alderman Scott Ogilvie says that the only proposed project is a $1.7 billion repair on portions of Interstate 70.

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Description: "Is that a fiscally responsible endeavour to essentially write a blank check for the other $6.3 billion, when we don't have a list of the projects that are going to be built."

Supporters of the amendment say the project would generate 270,000 new jobs for Missouri.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Alex Mallin.

Intro:	A measure to add one percent to the state sales tax had its first hearing in the state capitol today, and most lawmakers seem to support an increase in your taxes.
RunTime:	0:38
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The one percent sales tax hike wouldn't apply to food and medicine, and the gas tax would be kept at its current rate for at least ten years.

Kevin Keith is the Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation. He says the projected $8 billion in tax revenue would benefit more than just his department.

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Description: "I think the most important part of this is what it does for the economy of Missouri. Its not about which roads are going to be resurfaced or what projects are going to built. This one single proposal will create 270,000 jobs over the next ten years."

Opponents say it's unclear where all the money would be spent.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Alex Mallin.