Members of the Missouri House of Representatives took action this week to address the lack of affordable child care in the state. With a bipartisan vote of 133-20, legislators approved HB 870 to create several tax credits designed to provide an innovative solution that will allow communities to work together to create the child care they need.
The sponsor noted that 58% of businesses across Missouri report child care has been a barrier to recruiting new employees and that 63% report it has been a barrier to retaining current employees. She also cited a report saying 43% of parents say child care is unaffordable so they choose to stay home.
Gas tax refund (HB 519)
Missourians seeking a refund for the increased gas tax they’re paying at the pump would have a simpler process under legislation approved this week by the House of Representatives. Lawmakers approved HB 519 by a vote of 100-40.
The legislation began as a proposal to change the refund filing so it coincides with the calendar year rather than the fiscal year, which would allow taxpayers to file their refund claim when they do their taxes. The bill was expanded on the House floor to include a provision that would allow taxpayers to choose a standard refund option on their tax return. The standard refund would be $30 for the 2023 tax year, $45 for the 2024 tax year, $60 for the 2025 tax year and $75 for the 2026 tax year and every year after.
The people of Missouri would have the opportunity to get their gas tax back. This bill fulfills the promise that the people of Missouri can get their gas tax that they paid in back if they so choose,
I don’t know if this will make it through the Senate or to the Governor’s desk, but I do believe the process to receive a refund should be simpler.
Small businesses (HB 1263)
Lawmakers in the Missouri House have approved legislation to establish the “Protecting Missouri’s Small Businesses Act.” The bill would help offset the economic damage done to businesses that are forced by government to shut down through no fault of their own.
The bill’s sponsor said the legislation comes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that saw many small businesses suffer economically because of government-mandated shutdowns.
This bill simply sets up a process by which small businesses, in the event of a forced shut down by a local municipality, can apply for a refund or be exempt from a certain amount of their personal and real taxes, and some licensing fees.
The bill was approved by the House by a vote of 141-9. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.
HB 675 sets ‘Show MO Act’
The bill reauthorizes a tax credit for qualifying expenses related to the production of qualified motion media production projects, as defined in the bill. Tax credits for such expenses under previous law expired on Nov. 28, 2013. Supporters say that most television shows or film productions which feature the state of Missouri are filmed or produced in a different state that offers tax credits, or those productions are filmed in Canada. As a result, Missouri does not benefit from the goodwill and increased awareness that consumers of entertainment might have gained from viewing a television or film production that was produced in Missouri.
HCR 13 urges the House of Representatives and Senate to create the America 250 Missouri Commission. Supporters say the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a big event and we need to start planning a celebration.
It is an honor to serve the 153rd District. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me by email at Darrell.atchison@house.mo.gov or 573-751-1066.
Atchison represents District 153.