Missouri Classical Music News and Notes : Missouri Music Teachers Association

Joan Israelite, president of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City, discussed the proposed Bistate II tax in a recent KCStar interview. The tax will be up for a vote in the November 2004 election in the Missouri counties of Jackson, Clay, and Platte and in Johnson County (and perhaps Wyandotte County), KS. The tax will add a 1/4 cent sales tax, likely for about 12-15 years.

Excerpts from the interview with Israelite:

Q: Why is such a tax needed to support cultural and arts programs?

A: Most progressive communities have a dedicated source of public funding for arts and cultural amenities to serve the interests of its citizens. For example, Denver has a sales tax in which several counties participate that distributes about $33 million a year to arts and cultural organizations. St. Louis has a property tax and a portion of the hotel/motel tax that allows them to distribute more than $44 million a year for arts and cultural purposes to serve the public. We have been lacking that public investment in our metropolitan area. . . .

Q: Who will decide how those funds are allocated?

A: The Metropolitan Cultural District state law, also known as the enabling legislation, provides the structure. Elected officials will participate through the Metropolitan Commission. Area citizens will participate through regional and county citizens advisory committees.

More details about the tax are in Sun-News of the Northland and the Johnson County Sun.

posted by Brent Hugh at 9/05/2004
permanent link to article: About the Kansas City Bistate II tax, supporting arts and sports

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