A new player has joined the cast of those with ideas on how to deal with the state’s budget situation. The Missouri Coalition for Budget and Policy Priorities believes the only way to address the crisis is with additional revenues, which means new taxes. Executive Director Amy Blouin says the fact the legislative session is almost done for this year isn’t stopping the Coalition from pushing forward with its proposals. Blouin says several ideas are being considered. She particularly likes the idea to reintroduce the tobacco tax to bring in much needed dollars. The Coalition says that while the previous effort to raise cigarette taxes failed, the idea would probably be approved this time because Missourians will have had the chance to feel the impact of the budtet cuts.
