Senator Mike Parson Expresses Disappointment That Vehicle Sales Tax Bill Will Not Become Law

JEFFERSON CITY — Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar announced that, despite his belief that used vehicles ten years old and older should be exempt from sales tax, the votes were not there to bring the bill up for a veto override attempt.  The legislation, SB693, had passed both the House and Senate during the 2014 Legislative Session but was vetoed by Governor Jay Nixon.  Under the provisions of the bill, vehicles ten years old and older with a selling price of $15,000 or less would be exempt from state and local sales tax. 

“I believe this bill would have provided targeted tax relief for those citizens who need it most,” said Parson, “We are talking about families who need reliable transportation to get to work, teenagers buying their first car, or for college students to get to class.  Passage of this bill could have made the difference on whether they could make that purchase.”  The bill faced opposition from transportation related groups who claimed that money would be drained from highway funds.  “It is a shame the bureaucrats won out over the best interests of Missouri’s citizens,” continued Parson, “This was only round one on this issue.  Round two begins in January when the Missouri Legislature convenes for the 2015 Session.  I will be back to try again.” 

“Even though it passed with 26 votes in the Senate in May, after intense lobbying from the opposition the votes just weren’t there to attempt an override,” said Parson, “The money saved by the purchasers would have been spent in their communities on items such groceries, clothing, and school supplies, meaning the money would have circulated through the local economy.  While I am disappointed in this setback, I don’t give up easily on something I believe in and this is an issue I believe is in the best interests of Missourians.”