🗳️ August Election 101: Amendment 1

As part of the information I prepared for my League of Women Voters presentation, I’m sharing a closer look at each of the statewide ballot measures on the August 4 ballot.

Today’s focus is Amendment 1.

Amendment 1 would renew Missouri’s existing 1/10-cent state sales/use tax for parks, soil and water conservation, historic sites, and agricultural land-related projects.

📘 What it is

This tax was first approved by Missouri voters in 1984 and has been renewed by voters several times since then. It was most recently renewed in 2016.

💵 Will taxes go up?

Amendment 1 is not a new tax and does not raise the current tax rate.

A “yes” vote would continue the existing 1/10-cent sales/use tax for another 10 years.

A “no” vote would allow the tax to expire in 2028 unless another funding source is approved.

🌿 What it funds

The tax raises about $140 million each year and helps fund:

✅ Missouri state parks

✅ Historic sites

✅ Soil and water conservation

✅ Agricultural land-related conservation projects

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, this funding helps support state park operations, maintenance, trails, campgrounds, historic sites, and voluntary soil and water conservation practices across the state.

Arguments supporters make:

✅ Provides a reliable funding source for parks and conservation

✅ Helps protect water quality, soil, and natural resources

✅ Supports recreation, tourism, and quality of life in Missouri

✅ Helps keep funding dedicated so it cannot be redirected by the legislature

✅ Helps support free entry to Missouri state parks and historic sites

Arguments opponents make:

⚠️ It continues a sales tax, even though it is not a tax increase

⚠️ Dedicated funding limits the legislature’s ability to redirect money to other needs

⚠️ Some opponents raise concerns about property rights or land-management decisions

⚠️ Some question whether dedicated funds have enough legislative oversight

Questions to consider:

🔎 Do you support continuing a dedicated funding source for Missouri parks, historic sites, soil conservation, and water quality?

🔎 Are you comfortable with this funding staying dedicated for those purposes, even if it means the legislature cannot redirect it to other needs?

🔎 How do you weigh the benefits of conservation and park funding against concerns about sales taxes, flexibility, or oversight?

As with every ballot measure, I encourage you to read the full language for yourself. Ballot questions can sound simple at first, but the details matter.

🔗 Full Amendment 1 text:

https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/SJR12005.pdf

🔗 Missouri Secretary of State ballot measures page:

https://www.sos.mo.gov/petitions/2026ballotmeasures

This is not a recommendation on how to vote. My goal is simply to help residents have clear, factual information as they prepare to cast their ballots.