Fate of Medical Research tax decided today

Todd Feeback | KCPT News

The fate of the 20-year, 1/2 cent sales that is on the ballot in Jackson County, Missouri, to fund translational medical research will be decided today. Proceeds of the tax would go to UMKC, St. Luke’s and Children’s Mercy hospitals with a small percentage going to the Metropolitan Community Colleges. The proposed tax would bring in approximately $40 million a year, or $800 million over the life of the tax. Supporters of the tax claim that the cost to the average taxpayer would be about $60 a year.

Kansas City Week in Review hosted a debate last week with two supporters and two opponents. Check out that show here.

If you are confused about what translational research is, this story by KCPT’s health reporter Todd Feeback might help you understand it a bit better.

To further help you make a decision, we have compiled a list of articles about the tax.

10 GREAT LINKS TO GET YOU UP TO SPEED ON ELECTION DAY …

1. Official Yes Campaign website
2. NO Campaign website
3. Ballot Language
4. History of  medical research tax
5. Questions and Answers about Tax
6. Jackson County Advocate weighs up the ballot question
7. KC Chamber supports medical research tax
8. Another NO campaign website
9. KMBC 9 Editorial supporting the tax
10. Why Should County Taxpayers Fund Private Medical Research?