Unlike most states, Missouri provides virtually no funding for local transit agencies - they are paid for entirely with local tax dollars. Its time to change that. The St. Louis and Kansas City areas account for the majority of state tax revenue. Its time they got some of that money back for their local transit agencies to meet demand, improve service, and keep pace with other states who are racing forward with transit initiatives. Better public transit means economic growth and cities prepared for the future. Missouri should dedicate $40 million per year, roughly 1/2 of 1% of its general revenue, to public transit. Without this modest commitment, Missouri will continue to miss out on federal funding opportunities, and our transportation options will continue to lag behind other metropolitan areas.