Legislative Advocacy
One of the responsibilities of our government is to support an infrastructure of public services to protect, educate, and provide basic needs to citizens. This is not to say that it should be the sole provider or sole funder of such services, but the government does play a key role in helping our communities thrive through public services. Given all of this is accomplished through the taxes they collect from us, entering into and making changes to these systems of support should be done with careful consideration and input from the taxpayers.
Property taxes are designated to support public services such as public schools, EMTs, police and fire departments, libraries, and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During the 2022 Missouri legislative session, a proposal to phase out the personal property tax in St. Charles County was put forth by Senator Bill Eigle. Lower taxes…sounds great! In fact, I think taxpayers deserve to have taxes lowered. I find it difficult to trust that the government is a good steward of my tax dollars given today’s culture of dysfunction and unchecked spending within our legislative bodies.
However, this phase out was proposed without consideration for alternative revenue to support impacted services or the administrative challenges (i.e., cost) the assessor’s office would have in implementing it. Eliminating personal property tax partially defunds critical services provided by first responders, public schools, and social service organizations, which prompted an advocacy campaign.
Many from the disability community around the state were in touch with dozens of legislators about this proposal. Organizations like the Gateway Coalition of Service Providers, Missouri Association of County Developmental Disability Services and Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, among others, along with local taxing districts and constituents successfully advocated against its passage. LifeBridge Partnership is a member of the Gateway Coalition of Service Providers, a network of organizations providing various services and supports to Missourians with developmental disabilities living in the greater St. Louis and St. Charles region.
Similar proposals will be a priority again next year. I encourage you to get involved - this is your government after all. Join LifeBridge Partnership and me in advocating for responsible legislation that preserves vital services, cuts waste, and avoids unfunded and misplaced mandates.
Not sure where to start? Email us @ info@lifebridgestl.org . Or, find your representatives @ https://www.senate.mo.gov/LegisLookup/Default.aspx
Be heard!
Karen Schuster, CEO