Quality Jobs Bill Update

(May 2, 2007) The Quality Jobs bill, HB 327, was passed by the Missouri House, but the conference committee substitute did not fare so well in the Senate.

Sen. John Griesheimer made a motion to adopt the substitute, but that motion was debated at great length, primarily from Sen. Brad Lager, over some of the provisions in the bill, particularly a provision allowing a tax credit for the assembly of large tracts of land for redevelopment in the City of St. Louis. Sen. Griesheimer eventually withdrew his motion and made a motion to send the bill back to the House with a request to grant the Senate further conference.

The House, led by Rep. Ron Richard, refused to grant further conference. House Speaker Rod Jetton echoed the motion by Rep. Richard to send the bill back to the Senate to take up and pass the substitute. That motion was approved overwhelmingly.

If the Senate refuses to take up and pass the substitute, the bill will die. We hope all parties can resolve their differences and pass the increased tax credit limits for the Quality Jobs and Enhanced Enterprise Zone programs, as well as the manufacturing inputs exemption, and other valuable parts of the bill. The Legislature will adjourn May 18.