The reduction in state funding to colleges will result in increased tuition and book expenses for parents and students that are attending college. It will also shift the burden to local communities as they seek alternative methods to raise funds due to the reduction in state funding for K-12 education. House Bill 253 will also remove the sales tax exemption on prescription medications. Prescription medications in Missouri have been exempt from sales tax since 1979. Taxing medications will hurt the elderly and those that are on fixed incomes who need medications to manage chronic conditions and treat life threatening illnesses.