MSTA opposes Amendment 5

The Missouri State Teachers Association opposes Amendment 5 based on MSTA Adopted Resolutions.

The legislature passed the proposed constitutional amendment asking voters whether to allow lawmakers to phase out the state income tax and replace it with an expanded sales tax. Passing the amendment would give broad authority over the tax code to the same legislature responsible for leaving public schools more than $200 million underfunded.

Based on MSTA Adopted Resolutions, MSTA opposes Amendment 5. The risk is too great that MSTA members see a net negative in this proposed tax shift, both professionally and personally.

Amendment 5 asks voters whether to allow lawmakers to phase out the state income tax and replace it with expanded sales tax. MSTA is opposed based on our Adopted Resolutions.

What we know:

• Will give lawmakers authority to rewrite the tax code
• Income tax funds the foundation formula, Career Ladder, and the Teacher Baseline Salary Grant
• New taxes can’t exceed current collections

What we don't know: 

• The impact on your public school
• What will be taxed instead and at what rate
• What your personal tax burden will be