Possibility of Special Session
Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 11:06PM | Shelley Keeney 
NEWS RELEASE --- From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156th District
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
CONTACT: Rep. Shelley Keeney |
| August 4, 2011 |
(573) 751-5912 |
Possibility of Special Session
There has been great discussion over the past few weeks about whether or not to have a special session. There are several important issues that did not make it completely through the legislative process during the regular session which ended in May.
The biggest issue for most of us in the Missouri Legislature this year is putting policy into place that will get more Missourians back to work. We spent the regular session working toward this goal, but some believe the job is not fully complete. Now, it appears very likely the legislature will be called back in September to discuss further ideas for putting Missourians back to work.
As I have said in the past, I believe it is the private sector -- not government -- that makes jobs happen. The best thing that government can provide is the infrastructure for economic growth and to then get out of the way.
The main point of this year’s special session will be to address tax credit reform. During the regular session, time ran out on House Bill 116. This measure focused on tax credits and also dealt with what has been named “Aerotropolis,” a cargo-hub proposal for Lambert International Airport in St. Louis. The idea is to make Missouri a major trading hub for the entire world.
As you can guess, Aerotropolis has both supporters and opponents. Those in favor say the plan would boost the state’s economy and add jobs just about everywhere in Missouri. Those who are against such a center say it would be a major expense that would cost more than it is worth. They make the argument that if it is such a good idea, investors would have already fronted the money for it. We will see how the debate goes in September.
An overall reform of tax credits could end some tax credits and expand others. There are already several different ideas, and I am sure there will be others by special session.
One big complaint about tax credits is that they are not subject to legislative appropriations which could set a “cap” on the total amount available. As a result, in 1999, approximately $143 million in tax credits were redeemed. In 2010, that number jumped to an extremely high number -- approximately $521 million.
At this time, the legislative bodies have no fiscal control over these amounts, unlike most other state programs. Ironically, our budget gap for both Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012 totaled around $500 million. If tax credits had not been around, maybe our budget would have been easier to balance.
Currently, the discussion is about holding the special session in conjunction with the annual veto session in September, since lawmakers will be in Jefferson City anyway. This would provide plenty of time to introduce a bill, hold hearings, debate it on the floor and have the measure delivered to the governor for his signature.
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As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns about state government. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912. You may write me at: Shelley Keeney; MO House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; 201 W. Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.