Triple E Agenda - Economic Development

A variety of proposals are moving throughout the House of Representatives that are aimed at impacting what matters most to Missourians: jobs.  In fact, we have already passed several key priorities that will encourage private sector solutions.

HB 385 - Amateur Sporting Event Incentives

Representative Burlison continued championing this cause to utilize a state tax credit to attract major sporting events, such as NCAA tournaments, to Missouri facilities.  When these large events come to town, everyone on “Main Street” benefits, in cities large and small, all across Missouri..  From advertising to hotels and restaurants, local economies see large surges in sales.  Missouri needs to compete every day with our eight surrounding, very competitive neighboring states, and now it is up to the governor to make sure we do.  In fact, this tax credit proposal demands strong taxpayer protections by requiring that the site selection committee must be considering other states to take their event before we can even offer the credit and the credit is based only on “new” money brought into our state budget.  Many of these competing states have similar incentives in place.  The House took a great first step in approving HB 385 and then finalized the proposal by passing a companion Senate bill and sending it to the governor’s desk.

HB 87 - Benevolent Tax Credits

This legislation offers tax credits for our private sector partners to tackle tough social issues – from children in crisis to pregnancy resource centers.  We know that you have a heart to serve, but paying taxes to a bloated government that is wrought with fraud and abuse just does not cut it.  Our not-for-profit community needs our support – it employs thousands of Missourians and provides services to so many more.  In offering a tax credit to organizations that offer so many great services, private, charitable donations are leveraged along with the good nature of Missouri’s citizens.  This proposal was finalized by the House and a nearly identical Senate proposal was “Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed,” meaning it only awaits the Governor’s signature.

 
HB 320 - Clarifying Missouri's Anti-Discrimination Statutes and 'Whistleblower' Protections

Representative Kevin Elmer's proposal to add "Whistleblower" protections to statute and reform the state's anti-discrimination laws will add certainty back into our legal system for both employers and employees.  Currently, our whistleblower protections are left to common-law and up to interpretation by the courts.  Our employees should be able to turn to the law to protect them when they face situations where they risk their jobs to report unlawful practices in the workplace - and they should know precisely how they are protected. 

Employers also deserve more clarity.  This proposal will bring Missouri's anti-discriminatory laws back in line with the Civil Rights Act, Age Discrimination Employment Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act which served our state well for decades before our laws turned against job creators.  Non-economic damages would now be capped at the very reasonable level of $500,000.00 per claim.  This significant amount will discourage discriminatory practices while also keeping frivolous lawsuits at bay - frivolous lawsuits that waste money that could be spent on expanding a business or hiring new employees.  One of the most important factors affecting a business’s decision to relocate to our state or grow its footprint here is a stable, certain and fair litigation climate.  HB 320 meets that goal.

HB 64 and HB 409 - Adding Choice to Missouri's Labor Laws

Too often, our public facilities and employees are held hostage by stringent labor laws that limit choice.  If you run a rural, government institution, like a school district, you have to pay “prevailing wages” for your maintenance and construction which is ultimately borne solely by the taxpayers.  And if you are looking for work at a union shop, you have to pay fees regardless of whether you want to join the union.  The problem is, rural prevailing wages are measured using a formula many would agree is too heavily influenced by urban rates.  Moreover, labor unions participate in political activity.  Employees do not always agree with the politics espoused by their union bosses, but they must pay the fees that support that activity anyway.  Both of these scenarios are just wrong and need reform and your Republican-led legislature has taken the issue to task. 

HB 64, sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison, will allow unions to utilize employee fees for political purposes, but only if the employee consents in writing each year.  HB 409, sponsored by Rep. Warren Love, will realign the formula utilized by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to determine prevailing wage in our rural regions so that they are less influenced by urban wage rates.  This is much more fair and equitable to the taxpayers and will likewise encourage more projects to be undertaken (because greater funding will be available) along with the creation of more jobs.  The proposals were finalized by the House and if approved by the Senate, will reform the anti-choice policies of yesterday and help catalyze future growth in Missouri's economy.