Missouri gas tax increase on November ballot lawsuit, judge hears arguments

A bill proposing to increase the gas tax by ten cents per gallon is deemed unconstitutional by southwest Missouri lawmaker, Rep. Mike Moon, (R-Ash Grove) and activist Ronald Calzone.

The increased fuel tax portion was added to a bill originally about a proposed tax break for Olympic medalists. Calzone said adding the gas tax increase to a bill about another subject is unconstitutional.

He said it forces people to accept something they don’t want for something they do want because the gas tax increase and Olympic medalist tax deduction are combined into one bill on the ballot.

The gas tax increase portion changes the bill’s original purpose, Calzone said.

Missouri lawmakers did approve to put the bill on the ballot.

The defendant said since the bill was passed by both houses it is ready for voters.

Judge Robert Schollmeyer heard arguments in the Cole County Circuit Court about whether the bill has original purpose, is a single subject and has a clear title.

Schollmeyer said he will take today’s hearing under advisement.