Efforts to eliminate fishing licenses and the sales tax for Conservation

[nemofisher]

Recently I have learned that Missouri Senator Munzlinger, and Representative Redmon have submitted bills that would prevent the Department of Conservation from collecting fees for hunting, fishing and other Conservation permits,and also to ask voters to eliminate the 1/8th of 1 percent sales tax dedicated to the Missouri Department of Conservation. While I'm sure everyone would prefer to avoid a tax or even a use tax, I thing we should all consider what the Department of Conservation does for us. Sure, there are likely cases where the Department does something we disagree with. But they also provide a number of opportunities for all of us to fish, hunt, and camp in fairly nice areas. Every county in Missouri has land available to residents for use, and in most cases, most of us are less than 15 minutes from getting to one. They provide wildlife management, and again, while we may not agree with everything they do, it is provided, and often in the end they are right, or make other changes. Their lakes have boat ramps free for use, and many have handicap docks we fish from. They also put out brush piles that we've all caught fish from. Maybe they could do better in some cases, but if they had to compete for funding like all other State Agencies, I would be willing to bet we'd all see fewer opportunities. I'm a State Employee with another state agency, and see daily how many other state agencies don't work well. I think the sales tax and use of monies from fee's works. Whether you agree or disagree, I would encourage you to contact your local legislator, as well as Senator Munzlinger and Representative Redmon to voice your concerns.

[peculiarmike]

Here is some reading on the issues noted above. I personally support MDC and the fees/tax. And I doubt the proposed changes will pass. Never hurts to contact the politicians and express your views.

Proposed legislation targets Missouri Department of Conservation | News Tribune

[vic n]

I would encourage everyone to contact their state senators and representatives in support of the 1/8¢ sales tax and the MDC fees in question.

[dfar]

I agree with you that we all should support the MDC and their funding. I for one have watched the MDC bring back the deer and turkey from very few to the large numbers we enjoy today as well as stocking our lakes and rivers. Developing many conservation areas and facilities that used by everyone.
I feel all the permits and taxes I have paid over the last 50 years was a good investment.

[Kingslry27]

I, for one, consider myself lucky here in this state to only pay what I do for a resident license. I'm amazed at how MDC is able to keep doing what they do with so little coming in compared to other branches of government, state and federal, that have so much more for a budget. MDC does very good work and have been able to operate with very little. I'm kinda surprised (and very happy) that legislation isn't proposing a fee and tax increase and putting the extra towards a different branch like other states do.

[springhillwantabe]

send brownbeck over there he will take care of those fees for yous guys and gals??

[keeferfish]

For 172 million dollars we should expect a lot. Only a mere 32 million comes from permit sales. When you look at the state budget I guess it's all perspective.

http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2014/01/fis...mary?page=full

[Joedog]

For 172 million dollars we should expect a lot. Only a mere 32 million comes from permit sales. When you look at the state budget I guess it's all perspective.

Fiscal Year 2012–2013 Annual Report Summary | Missouri Department of Conservation

Less than 1% of the total state budget. But since they're ALSO proposing to repeal the 1/8th of 1% sales tax, that amounts to over $100M in addition to the $32M in permit sales. What does that leave....$40M? Most of which comes from the Fed. It essentially kills the department...or the majority of its programs and effectiveness.

Munzlinger and Redmon couldn't possibly be proposing this for fiscal reasons, given the insignificance compared to the total state budget. If they're looking at it from a cost-to-the-Missouri-taxpayer perspective, seems like they could find bigger fish to fry!

[keeferfish]

Well Joe it's actually 92 million and don't get this moved to Way of Topic!

"This fiscal year, the 1/8 of 1 cent Conservation Sales Tax will generate approximately $92 million—funds that are earmarked and spent to make fish and wildlife abundant and forests sustainable. No dollars are received from the state government general revenue fund."


I never said it was a bad thing, just we should expect a lot! We all know there is government waste like nobody’s business in every department including the MDC but again it's all perspective. I appreciate the hard work they do and enjoy many fruits of their labor.

Another link about it

Wild Missouri: The Missouri Design for Conservation Sales Tax

[perchplucker]

I hope this doesn't pass. I know they do things that not everybody agrees with but that is life. Look at all the boat ramps we get to use. The Conservation land and waters open for the public to enjoy. The programs for adults and most important the kids. They get to go experience things they may not get a chance to do other wise. I know our local Senator wont go for this he is a country boy.