Schools Oppose 'Everything Tax'; What's Your Say?

In this time dipping tax revenue and uncertain federal funding, school districts are taking a proactive approach to protecting their revenue streams.

The Affton and Lindbergh School Districts have recently passed resolutions opposing the “everything tax” amendment and urging residents not to sign petitions putting the measure on the ballot.

The “everything tax” proposal would amend the Missouri constitution to eliminate the state income tax and replace it with a 10 percent sales tax on nearly all purchases.

“We believe the ‘Everything Tax’ would make Missouri’s already bad budget situation even worse,” the Affton School District said in their resolution. “We believe the reduction in state revenue caused by the ‘Everything Tax’ would likely cut state funding to Affton School District and other school districts throughout the state thereby harming the quality of education we are able to provide our students.”

The original text did not include “we believe,” but the qualifier was added during the Feb. 21 school board meeting, immediately before passing the resolution. Board member Doug Beck opposed the edit.

The Lindbergh School Board also argued that the amendment would cut funding to their district.

Do you agree with the school boards? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments.