Members of the House and the chairman of the House Budget Committee want to help working Missourians afford the ever-increasing cost of living. The House passed a one-time economic recovery tax credit for Missouri residents who paid personal income tax in the state for 2021. The bill will appropriate $1 billion from the state’s General Revenue Fund to fund a one-time economic recovery non-refundable tax credit. Under the plan, anyone filing an individual Missouri personal income tax return would receive up to a $500 credit. Married couples filing jointly would receive up to a $1,000 credit. The credit is limited to individuals who were Missouri residents for the entire tax year.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. It must receive approval from both chambers by Friday, May 6, which is the deadline for all appropriations bills.
Bills Sent to the Senate
HB 1757 establishes the “State Building Usage Task Force”. The duties of the Task Force will be to evaluate the conditions of all state government-owned and leased real properties, as well as the current funding received for maintaining each real property. Supporters say the bill will help identify vacant and underutilized buildings and encourage a decision on the sale or transfer of such properties.
HB 2574 requires scrap metal dealers and others regulated under state law to require proof that the seller of a detached catalytic converter is a bona fide automobile repair shop or sign an affidavit that the converter was lawfully acquired. The make, model, year, and vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the converter originated will be required and maintained for four years. The bill adds that a person commits the offense of stealing if they retain or dispose of the property of another while they reasonably should have suspected that such property has been stolen. Supporters say catalytic converter theft is a serious problem with the theft of catalytic converters on the rise in the state.
HB 2493 expands the criteria for career ladder admission and stage achievement. Additional responsibilities and volunteer efforts outside of compensated hours may include uncompensated coaching, supervising, and organizing extracurricular activities, serving as a mentor or tutor to students, additional teacher training or certification, or assisting students with college or career preparation. The bill increases the state percentage of funding for salary supplements for the career ladder from 40% to 60% and lowers the number of years before a teacher is eligible from five to two years. Supporters say the bill rewards teachers for taking extra time working with students and fostering community engagement and professional development of students. It would increase interaction time between parents and teachers, filling the gap of learning loss that is being experienced currently.
HB 2325 establishes the “Workforce Diploma Program” to assist students in obtaining a high school diploma and developing employability and career technical skills. Supporters say the bill improves job prospects to enable the students to get higher and better-paying jobs. Over 445,000 adults in Missouri don’t have a diploma. Several other states have adopted the program. There is a need to upskill Missourians and this program will help train the workforce.
Darrell Atchison is Representative of District 153. He can be reached by email at Darrell.Atchison@house.mo.gov or phone at 573-751-1066.