Cost of Government Day (COGD)
[2005] [2004] [2003] [2002] [2001]

Title: Study: Missouri has among lowest costs of government

Date: July 8, 2003

Source: St. Louis Business Journal

Words: 160

Missouri ranks the 17th lowest among states for the cost of government, according to a new report by Americans for Tax Reform.

The organization publishes its Cost of Government Day report annually, which represents the number of days the average American citizen must work to cover the cost of government. The national Cost of Government Day in 2003 is July 11, 17 days longer than the day in 2000.

However, in Missouri, the Cost of Government Day was July 3, because it is a relatively low-taxed and regulated state, the organization said. Missouri taxpayers finished paying for government spending after 121 days, added to 63 days that state regulations cost.

"Americans are working far too much for their government, and not enough for themselves," said Grover Norquist, who heads ATR in Washington, D.C., in a statement. "It's high time that politicians in Washington and Jefferson City start standing up for taxpayers and consumers."

© 2003 American City Business Journals Inc.

-30-