MEDCode and Regional Economic Development District Bill Moves Forward

(April 18, 2007) The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Tourism and Local Government today held a hearing and approved HB 741. The bill contains both the Missouri Economic Development Code and the Regional Economic Development District authorization.

There were no amendments and the bill was approved on a unanimous vote. Thanks to Randy Allen, President of Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce and MEDC Public Policy Chairman, for appearing in person at the hearing and to those writing letters of support: Shellby Hendee, Development Director, City of Cameron and Kathy Morgan, Economic Development Director, City of Albany.

The bill will now be considered by the full Senate. The MEDC thanks sponsors Rep. David Pearce, Rep. Darrell Pollock, and Senate handler Sen. Chris Koster, for their support of this legislation.

In other action, the Senate Ways and Means Committee today heard testimony on HB 131 which contains a sales tax exemption for manufacturing inputs and a sales tax exemption for cities leasing or selling property acquired through Chapter 100 projects. The Committee took no action on the bill at today's hearing. HB 131, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Cooper will be handled in the Senate by Senator Jason Crowell.