More Progress in Fight for Less Government in Missouri

Economy |
By David Stokes | Read Time 1 minute

This is shaping up to be a good week. Today, Combest again linked to a couple more stories that involve a reduction of government in our lives. First and foremost, I want to strongly commend the leadership of Jefferson County for choosing to ban red light cameras in the unincorporated areas of the county. (Their ability to ban them in the incorporated areas is very limited.) This is an example of leaders placing liberty above tax revenues, and I think it is terrific.

Second, it appears that the state’s business franchise tax will be eliminated. This was a key part of the legislature’s “Fix the Six” agenda, and the governor has indicated that he will sign the legislation phasing out the tax. This is a tax change that will benefit all businesses in the state (at least all large enough to qualify to pay it) — not just those chosen for special tax treatment.

So far this week, we have serious movement on lower taxes, reduced government intrusions, fewer government officials, and municipal disincorporation. Although all of those things may not come through, I’d say this has been a great week.

About the Author

David Stokes is a St. Louis native and a graduate of Saint Louis University High School and Fairfield (Conn.) University. He spent six years as a political aide at the St. Louis County Council before joining the Show-Me Institute in 2007. Stokes was a policy analyst at the Show-Me Institute from 2007 to 2016. From 2016 through 2020 he was Executive Director of Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, where he led efforts to oppose harmful floodplain developments done with abusive tax subsidies. Stokes rejoined the Institute in early 2021 as the Director of Municipal Policy. He is a past president of the University City Library Board. He served on the St. Louis County 2010 Council Redistricting Commission and was the 2012 representative to the Electoral College from Missouri’s First Congressional District. He lives in University City with his wife and their three children.

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