Mo. Voters Extend Tax to Fund Anti-Drug Programs August 7, 2003
Funding Tips & Trends
Voters in Jackson County, Mo., gave their approval to continue the Community-Backed Anti-Drug Tax (COMBAT), a sales tax used to fund drug enforcement, prevention, and treatment, the Kansas City Star reported Aug. 6.The vote extends the tax through March 2011. Voters initially voted for COMBAT in 1989. Since then, the quarter-cent sales tax has generated between $15 million and $20 million each year. The funds have been used to hire more police officers, teach youngsters about the dangers of drugs, and provide treatment to addicted individuals.
"COMBAT is important because it is such an innovative way to deal with the issue of drugs," said County Executive Katheryn Shields. "A lot of communities have programs that focus on police efforts. What's unique about ours is that it combines law enforcement with treatment to help the nonviolent addicted offender lead a productive life and with prevention to help children avoid drugs."
