Members conducted meetings with Representatives Jeffrey Messenger (R-District 130), Joe Runions (D-District 37), and Steve Butz (D-District 81), each of whom has filed legislation to increase transportation investment. The group also met with Representative Becky Ruth (R-District 114), Chair of the House Transportation Committee, and Representative Greg Razer (D-District 25), who served on the 21st Century Missouri Transportation System Task Force. In addition to these meetings, participants also met with their own local state senators and representatives. Several MFTI members met with Representative Kathy Swan (R-District 147) to discuss funding options and the importance of developing a skilled workforce.

At the end of the day, many members joined in watching Governor Mike Parson deliver his State-of-the-State Address in the House Chamber.

In addition to MFTI Executive Director Jeff Glenn, the following members attended this Legislative Day:

  • Len Toenjes, Associated General Contractors of Missouri
  • Bruce Wylie, American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri
  • Don Rosenbarger, Delta Companies Inc.
  • Howard Gotschall, Hanson Professional Services Inc.
  • Jesse Jonas, MO/KS Chapter, American Concrete Pavement Association
  • Ken Liescheidt, MO/KS Chapter, American Concrete Pavement Association
  • Chris Davis, SITE Improvement Association
  • Joe Hagerty, Oates Associates
  • Morgan Mundell, Missouri Limestone Producers Association
  • Clarence Munsch, GBA
  • Andrew Potthast, HDR Inc.

Transportation Investment Priorities

MFTI understands the direct connection between transportation infrastructure investment and Missourians’ safety and economic prosperity, so it supports fully funding the State’s transportation infrastructure needs through various methods, including:

  • Increasing the state motor fuel tax as much as possible under the limits of the Hancock Amendment and indexing the state motor fuel tax, with the increased revenue dedicated to transportation investment.
  • Enacting legislation to capture a state sales/use tax on internet sales and making transportation investment the top priority for revenue generated by this tax.
  • Changing motor vehicle registration fees from a horsepower standard to a miles-per-gallon standard, increasing electric/hybrid motor vehicle registration fees, and indexing all motor vehicle registration fees, with the increased revenue dedicated to transportation investment.
  • Indexing drivers’ license fees, with the increased revenue dedicated to transportation investment.
  • Enacting legislation authorizing public-private partnerships for transportation investment and repealing the prohibition on tolling.
  • Increasing funding for all modes of transportation.

Future Legislative Days

MFTI will hold its next Legislative Day on Tuesday, February 11. This will be in conjunction with the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE). However, all members of the MFTI are encouraged to participate.

Orientation and a legislative briefing will be held at the MSPE office at 10:00 a.m. followed by visits with legislative leaders in the Capitol. Participants will receive handouts during orientation to share with legislators.

During this legislative day, meetings are confirmed with House Speaker Elijah Haahr (R-District 134), Senate Transportation Committee Chair Doug Libla (R-District 25), and members of Governor Parson’s staff. Additional meetings will be scheduled.

Future Legislative Days will be March 10, April 15, and May 6.

You may learn more by visiting www.mfti.org.