Over the objections of some anti-tax Republicans, the House today overwhelmingly voted for a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the state sales tax by one-eighth of a cent. That money would fund programs for veterans.

After the vote, House Speaker Rod Jetton told reporters that many members were conflicted over the measure and that a tax increase was “a last resort.”

“Everyone feels a sense of responsibility to our veterans,” he said.

The House voted 106-39 to forward the measure to the Senate. With a yes vote in that chamber, it would be placed on November’s ballot.

Jetton said legislators could be criticized no matter how they voted.

“At some point, the campaign is over and the governance starts,” he said. “This is an issue – you just hate to see it bleed into a campaign.”

But, of course, issues like this often do bleed into campaigns. House Democrats sent a critical press release Thursday, noting that several Republicans voted for the measure, even though they had signed a no-tax pledge from the group Americans for Tax Reform.

The sponsor of HJR 71, state Rep. Barney Fisher, R-Richard, was among those who signed and violated the State Taxpayer Protection Pledge put forth by Americans for Tax Reform, a group based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for lower taxes. HJR 41 now goes to the Senate.

In addition to Fisher, the other Republicans who signed and violated the pledge: State Reps. Mike Dethrow of Alton, Doug Funderbunk of St. Peters, Steve Hunter of Joplin, Allen Icet of Wildwood, Van Kelly of Norwood, Bob Nance of Excelsior Springs, Brian Nieves of Washington, John Quinn of Chillicothe, Vicki Schneider of O’Fallon, and Joe Smith of St. Charles.

The State Taxpayer Protection Pledge says: “I, _____, pledge to the taxpayers of the _____ District of the State of _____ and to all the people of this state, that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.” A list of pledge signatories can be found at the Americans for Tax Reform Web site at www.atr.org. ATR considers the pledge binding as long as the signer remains in office.

(In the first graf, the release flubbed on the bill number. The amendment is actually HJR 71. Maybe it’s a Freudian slip, but Democrats also have widely criticized the incorrect bill number, HJR 41.)

Rep. Brian Yates, R-Lee’s Summit, was one of the conflicted legislators.

“This is a tough time to be talking about sales tax increases,” he said. “I don’t think it’s the right thing to do to go and ask citizens for more money.”

During debate, Yates motioned to have the bill sent back to committee. The motion was defeated handily, but Jetton could be seen angrily looking in Yates’ direction and mouthing what looked like, “I’ll talk to you later.”