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Auditor Logo Tom Schweich

Report No. 2011-15
April 2011

Complete Report
Findings in the review of Article X, Sections 16 through 24, Constitution of Missouri


Background
The Constitution of Missouri was amended in 1980 to add Article X, Sections 16 through 24, commonly referred to as the Hancock Amendment. This tax limitation amendment imposes restrictions on the amount of personal income used to fund state government and the amount by which fees and taxes can be increased. Mathematical formulas are used to determine the relevant threshold amounts each year.

The Hancock Amendment limits the amount of Missourian's personal income that may be used to fund state government to no greater than the portion used to do so in 1981. In other words, since 5.6 percent of Missourian's personal income went to fund state government in 1981, then no more than 5.6 percent can be used to do so in future years, unless revenues are specifically excluded by a vote of the people.

The Hancock Amendment also requires voter approval before taxes or fees can be increased by the General Assembly beyond a certain annual limit. Based upon the calculation provided by the Office of Administration, Division of Budget and Planning, the relevant annual revenue limit for fiscal year 2010 was $96 million.

Fiscal Year 2010 Findings
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, our review determined no refunds were due. In fact, total state revenue was $4.4 billion under the refund threshold. In addition, the Office of Administration, Division of Budget and Planning determined that net taxes and fees increased by $1.9 million, well below the $96 million annual limit. As a result, our review concluded the state complied with these provisions of the Hancock Amendment.

Because of the limited objective of this review, no overall rating is provided.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (Federal Stimulus)
Not applicable to this report.

*The rating(s) cover only audited areas and do not reflect an opinion on the overall operation of the entity. Within that context, the rating scale indicates the following:

Excellent:
The audit results indicate this entity is very well managed. The report contains no findings. In addition, if applicable, prior recommendations have been implemented.

Good:
The audit results indicate this entity is well managed. The report contains few findings, and the entity has indicated most or all recommendations have already been, or will be, implemented. In addition, if applicable, many of the prior recommendations have been implemented.

Fair:
The audit results indicate this entity needs to improve operations in several areas. The report contains several findings, or one or more findings that require management's immediate attention, and/or the entity has indicated several recommendations will not be implemented. In addition, if applicable, several prior recommendations have not been implemented.

Poor:
The audit results indicate this entity needs to significantly improve operations. The report contains numerous findings that require management's immediate attention, and/or the entity has indicated most recommendations will not be implemented. In addition, if applicable, most prior recommendations have not been implemented.

Complete Audit Report
Missouri State Auditor's Office
moaudit@auditor.mo.gov