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Legislative Update – May 26, 2010
Missouri has not been immune to the national economic downturn, and while the Show-Me State has weathered economic difficulties before, this year will be remembered as the perfect economic storm that brought about massive cuts to state government. In the midst of these cuts is the Division of Tourism, which next year will operate with 30 percent less money than it did this year.
Governor Nixon's recommendation for $20.4 million in tourism spending for Fiscal Year 2011 appears to have been doomed before it was ever presented to legislators back in January. It was only a few short weeks after presenting the budget that the Governor's budget office began advising House and Senate appropriations leaders to make cuts to his original proposal. Several attempts to cut tourism funding in the House were beaten back by legislators who understand that tourism spending provides a trackable return on investment, and tourism seemed to fare better than other agencies when the House approved a budget of $19.4 million—only $1 million less than the Governor's initial recommendation.
That success was short-lived, though, as the budget process moved to the Senate in mid-March, where tourism allies in the Senate were few. By the time the budget left the Senate, Tourism had been cut to $13.4 million. During Conference Committee meetings and on the Senate floor Senator Rob Mayer, who chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee, repeatedly told legislators that he had been assured that the Division of Tourism's Cooperative Marketing Fund would not be cut at this level, despite the fact that he was provided information showing the Cooperative Marketing Program could not escape a sizable cut at a $14 million funding level. During the final Senate floor debate, Senator Frank Barnitz told fellow lawmakers that Mayer was wrong, but no one seemed inclined to listen, and the budget (with all cuts intact) passed with little discussion.
What happens now is up to the Tourism Commission, which must approve a budget that has not seen funding this low since 1998. Part of those discussions will center around the Tour of Missouri bike race, which is listed in the legislature's budget worksheet at a level of $1 million. Questions have arisen over the last few weeks as to whether funding for the Tour of Missouri is mandated of discretionary.
Another unknown that will influence this budget discussion is the fact that leaders in both the House and Senate have said the budget may still not be balanced, and Governor Nixon's office this week said another $350 million would be trimmed through line-item vetoes.
Ironically, one of the major budget issues that was discussed throughout the session—tax credit reform—was all but forgotten by the end of the session, with most tax credit programs remaining unchanged. In fact, with no extra money to spend, only 105 bills were passed during the recent session, the fewest number of bills to receive approval in a decade.
The final outcome of tourism-related legislation is available on the Missouri Travel Council website at http://www.MissouriTravel.com/leg-update.htm.
As the session ends this week, so do the terms of many veteran legislators who must step down due to term limits. This means that next year we will be dealing with one of the largest groups of freshman legislators in nearly a decade. Is that good or bad? We'll find out in January. Regardless, some legislators believe the state will have more than $800,000 less in federal assistance next year, meaning the state's budget woes are not going to end any time soon.
Gary Figgins, Legislative Committee Chair - Missouri Travel Council
gfiggins@showmemissouri.net
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Missouri Travel Council Legislative Update
From: Dale Amick 4/29/10
The Missouri Legislature has passed and sent to the governor a $13.5 million budget for the Division of Tourism.
The governor had recommended $20.4 million for the Division. The House recommended $19.4 million, but the Senate cut that figure to $13.5 million.
Due to an ever-quickening, sharp downturn in state revenue, the Senate was forced to cut one half billion dollars from the House-approved state budget in order to make sure it was a balanced budget.
Few changes were made in that Senate version in the joint Senate/House conference committee last week. Both bodies approved the conference committee version with little discussion.
In the Senate, Sen. Frank Barnitz said on the floor it was a mistake to cut Tourism because of its return on state investment of $2.50 in state revenue for every one state dollar put into advertising. Sen. Rob Mayer, the Senate Appropriations Committee, said it was a choice to cut either Tourism or education.
Mayer maintained cutting the Tourism budget to $13.5 million will still preserve the co-op program intact with no cuts whatsoever. Barnitz said the low Tourism budget figure could result in a slashing of the popular co-op advertising program.
The April 29, 2010 Legislative Update is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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Missouri Travel Council Legislative Update
From: Dale Amick 4/15/10
The Missouri Senate passed its version of the new state budget without any discussion on the entire Department of Economic Development budget, which includes the Division of Tourism.
The Senate left intact Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Mayer's decision to cut $5.9 million from the Tourism budget adopted by the House ($19.5 million). The Division budget level under the Senate plan is around $13.5 million. The governor originally recommended $20.4 million for the agency for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
All indications are the governor's staff approved of the budget cuts in the Division made by the Senate Appropriations Chairman and ratified by the full Senate.
Since the Senate and House passed different budget versions, the issue will now go to a joint conference committee for compromise beginning next week.
The Legislative Update is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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Missouri Travel Council Legislative Update
From: Dale Amick 4/8/10
Despite numerous attempts to explain that further cuts would hinder the Division of Tourism's ability to market the state, the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee has decided to cut about 5.9 million dollars from the agency's proposed budget. That is on top of the one million dollars the House of Representatives cut from the governor's recommended Division budget of 20.4 million dollars. The Appropriation Committee's budget blueprint now goes to the full Senate for final consideration.
Not since 1998 has the General Assembly appropriated this little money for tourism. At that time, the state's cooperative marketing program was funded at a level of $1.6 million.
Once the Senate approves its budget version, a joint House -Senate conference committee will meet to iron out differences between the two chambers. And with many differences, this joint conference committee on the budget may be the most contentious in years.
The Senate Appropriations Committee felt compelled to cut 500 million dollars from the budget version approved by the House. Senate Appropriations Chairman Rob Mayer said that amount was needed to be cut to balance the new state budget as required by the Missouri Constitution.
State revenue continues to decline with incoming money 13 per cent below last year's level.
Arguing against further tourism budget cuts on the Appropriations Committee were Sens. Frank Barnitz and Tim Green.
The April 8, 2010 legislative status report is available on the MTC Web site
at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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MISSOURI TRAVEL COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
From: Dale Amick 3/25/10
The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a 19.4 million dollar budget for the Division of Tourism.
The House defeated numerous amendments to either eliminate or reduce the Division budget, while cutting over 200 million dollars from the budget blueprint approved by its Budget Committee earlier this month.
The House-approved budget is some 350 million dollars less than the budget blueprint recommended by Gov. Jay Nixon in January. That budget now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee for its review. The legislature must write a new state budget by May 7.
During debate on the budget, Rep. Andrew Koenig of St. Louis County offered an amendment to completely eliminate the Division of Tourism. The amendment was defeated 136-15.
Speaking for Tourism and against that amendment on the House floor were Reps. Charlie Schlottach, Gina Walsh, Tom Loehner , among others.
Earlier this month, Koenig had supported an amendment by Rep. Doug Funderburk in the House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development to cut the Division budget by five million dollars. Again, Rep. Charlie Schlottach led the effort at that time to defeat that amendment and support tourism.
On the House floor Tuesday, four other amendments were offered to cut the Division budget by one million dollars or less. All were defeated.
Once again, thanks should go to Rep. Charlie Schlottach for holding the Division budget at 19.4 million dollars, while many other state programs were cut by much larger amounts.
The governor had recommended 20.4 million dollars for the Division budget in January. Since that time, revenue coming into the state treasury has dropped off significantly due to the current recession.
The Legislative Status Report is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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PANIC. That seems to be the best word to describe what is taking place in Jefferson City right now. And panic seldom produces good ideas.
As the end of the current legislative session creeps ever closer, it appears that lawmakers are in panic mode as they try to pass a budget that accommodates dwindling state revenue, even though no one really knows exactly how much needs to be trimmed. In the Senate, the situation is bad enough that leaders halted most action this week in order to review ideas submitted by the public. In the House, where the Budget Bill finally went to the floor for debate Tuesday night, numerous amendments were offered to cut spending, several which would have negatively impacted the travel industry and hurt the state's economy for years to come.
One such amendment, offered by District 88 Rep. Andrew Koenig (R) of Winchester, would have completely eliminated the Missouri Division of Tourism. Fortunately, enough legislators understand that tourism is one of the few positive aspects of Missouri's economy right now, and that a well-designed advertising program has made that possible. Still, there were 14 other legislators who voted in favor of Rep. Koenig's proposal to eliminate the Division of Tourism. They were:
Rep. Jason Brown, Platte City (R)
Rep. Cynthia Davis, O'Fallon (R)
Rep. Mike Dethrow, Alton (R)
Rep. Ed. Emery, Lamar (R)
Rep. Doug Ervin, Kearney (R)
Rep. Tim Flook, Liberty (R)
Rep. Doug Funderburk, St. Peters (R)
Rep. Tim Jones, Eureka (R)
Rep. Will Kraus, Raytown (R)
Rep. Cole McNary, Chesterfield (R)
Rep. Bryan Pratt, Blue Springs (R)
Rep. Marilyn Ruestman, Joplin (R)
Rep. Clint Tracy, Cape Girardeau (R)
Rep. Kevin Wilson, Neosho (R)
There was solid support for tourism, as Koenig's amendment failed by a 136-15 vote, and a number of tourism supporters in both parties spoke in support of the industry's positive impact on the state's economy.
Another amendment to cut $1 million from Tourism was defeated 99-49. Amendments to cut $500,000 and $100,000 were also defeated.
Missouri's travel industry has been fortunate to have key legislators who understand how tourism has propped up the state during the economic downturn, but it is imperative we not sit back and rely upon our friends in the legislature to make the case. Make no mistake. These legislators are being bombarded by phone calls and letters from people who are more than willing to sacrifice tourism in order to preserve their own interests, all without any regard to the fact that tourism generates revenue that helps fund those other programs. The list of legislators above is a prime example of the fact that we have much work to do in the coming weeks.
How can you help? As a member of Missouri Travel Council, you have an incredible tool at your disposal. First visit http://www.moneedstourism.com to arm yourself with the most complete information regarding the vital role tourism plays in Missouri's economy. Then click on "What can you do?" followed by "Contact your state officials." Simply enter your name, email and county in which you live or work. Letters to your own Representative and Senator will appear, each with detailed economic and employment information for your county. Send the letters with a click of a button. It's that easy.
Thank you for helping spread the word that Missouri Needs Tourism.
Sincerely,
Gary Figgins, Legislative Chair
Missouri Travel Council
gfiggins@showmemissouri.net
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Missouri Travel Council Legislative
Update From Dale Amick
Missouri Travel Council Legislative Update
From: Dale Amick 3/18/10
The House Budget Committee has approved a 19.4 million dollar budget for the Division of Tourism. The committee-approved budget now goes to the full House for consideration.
The committee defeated an amendment to cut $150,000 from the Division offered by Rep. Mike Cunningham to help fund the Lieutenant Governor's Veteran Remembrance Program. Speaking in committee in support of tourism and against cuts to the Division were Reps. Charlie Schlottach and Rachel Bringer.
Budget sheets used by the House committee provide for one million dollars of the proposed Division budget to be used for the Tour of Missouri Race.
In an unusual move, the State Senate will suspend activity this Tuesday to work on ideas to cut the state budget. Senate President Charlie Shields has appointed eight committees to meet Tuesday and come up with cost-cutting moves to reduce state government. Part of the focus of the committees will be suggestions for government reduction from the public offered on the Senate's website.
The exact shortfall of the new state budget is unclear. Some believe the budget version approved by the House Budget Committee could be 200-400 million dollars short of a balanced budget.
The March 18, 2010 Legislative Status Report is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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Missouri Travel Council Legislative Update
From: Dale Amick (damick@socket.net)
Date: 3/4/10
Tourism and travel supporters descended on the State Capitol this past week for the annual Tourism Capital Days.
Tourism proponents spent time walking the hallways and visiting with many legislators on the importance of the industry to the well-being of the state's economy. On Thursday, tourism boosters hosted the annual Pancake Breakfast in the Capitol Rotunda for legislators and staff.
By all measures, the event was a great success. Thanks should go to organizers for planning an event that will be remembered by legislators, staff and tourism boosters.
The legislature will be taking next week off for spring break. It seems to be an opportune time as Gov. Jay Nixon and legislative leaders are at odds over writing a new state budget.
Sharply declining revenue coming into the state treasury has put the governor's recommended state budget short of being balanced. Since the governor recommended his budget blueprint in January, incoming revenue has fallen well below estimates.
Legislative leaders say the governor's recommended budget could be 300-500 million dollars short of being balanced. The exact number is in question.
But the fact remains, further cutting of the governor's recommended budget seems in order.
Legislative leaders have asked the governor to re-submit another recommended budget that reflects the new revenue shortfall.
When the legislature returns to Jefferson City March 15, the House Budget Committee may begin efforts to write a new budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The latest budget sheet the committee will begin work from provides 19.4 million dollars for the Division of Tourism.
The governor had recommended 20.4 million dollars for the Division. Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet instructed the House Appropriations Committee on Economic Development to cut 5 per cent from all state program budgets, reflecting the current 19.4-million-dollar figure for the Division.
Appropriations Committee Chairman Charlie Schlottach stopped an effort by Rep. Doug Funderburk to cut the Division budget by five million dollars.
Speaking up in committee for tourism and against the cutting amendment were Reps. Storch of St. Louis, Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg and Tom Loehner of Koeltztown. If these legislators are your representative, write them a thank you note for speaking up for our industry.
The legislative update is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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Missouri Travel Council Legislative Update
> From: Dale Amick
> February 25, 2010
>
> The House Budget Committee has begun work on drafting a new state budget,
> amid reports that incoming state revenue continues to plummet.
>
> State revenue is down about 13 per cent from last year and may get worse
> in> the coming months. The state is mired in its worst financial crisis in
> memory with no prospects for getting better in the near future.
>
> The Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet earlier told his appropriations
> subcommittees to cut 5 per cent from the governor's proposed budget
> recommendations. Some cut more.
>
> The House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development reduced the
> Division of Tourism budget by one million dollars from the governor's
> recommended 20.4-million-dollar total for the agency. That committee
> chairman, Rep. Charles Schlottach, has pledged to work to find additional
> funding for the Division.
>
> Sclottach led an effort to defeat a move by Rep. Doug Funderburk to cut
> five million dollars from the Division's proposed budget.
>
> The February 25, 2010 Legislative Status Report is available on the MTC
> Web
> site at:
>
> http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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Missouri Travel Council Legislative Update
From: Dale Amick 2/18/10
Missouri House Budget Chairman Allen Icet has directed all House appropriation sub-committees to cut all state agencies in the governor's recommended state budget by five per cent.
To that end, the House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development has cut the governor's recommended budget for the Division of Tourism by one million dollars. Gov. Jay Nixon originally had recommended a 20.4-million-dollar budget for the Division.
Committee Chairman Charlie Schlottach says he will work to try to restore some of the budget cut later in the budgetary process.
Schlottach was successful in defeating an amendment by Rep. Doug Funderburk to cut the Division of Tourism budget by five million dollars. Funderburk said the tourism and travel industry could remain functional without the five million dollars.
After lengthy discussion, the amendment was defeated 7-4.
Voting for the amendment and to cut Division of Tourism funding by five million dollars were Funderburk, Rep. Sue Allen of Town and Country, Rep.
Mike Leara of St. Louis, and Rep. Andrew Koenig of St. Louis County.
If one of these legislators is your representative, you may want to contact them about their vote against tourism.
Speaking up in support of the tourism industry and in opposition to the Funderburk amendment were Reps. Rachel Storch of St. Louis, Rep. Tom Loehner of Koeltztown, Rep. Vicki England of St. Louis, and Rep. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg.
If one of these legislators is your representative, you may want to contact them and thank them for being pro-tourism.
Legislation to correct Supreme Court decisions relating to sales tax charges on tour packages and purchases by tax exempt entities was heard in the House Ways and Means Committee this past week. A large number of business and tourism groups testified in support of the legislation (HB 2048). The bill addresses complications caused by two separate Supreme Court cases, both of which could have an impact on tourism and travel entities. Missouri Travel Council joined a long list of other organizations in support of this bill.
No one testified in opposition.
A similar bill (SB 928) will be heard in the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 24.
The February 18, 2010 Legislative Status report is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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February 15, 2010 - CALL TO ACTION
A little more than a month into the legislative session, House Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet has informed House Appropriations Committee members to cut each submitted budget by five percent. The Appropriations Committee on Transportation and Economic Development has already heard presentations from the Department of Economic Development, and Division of Tourism Director Katie Steele Danner did a very good job handling questions about the economic impact of tourism on the state's economy.
It is imperative that Appropriations Committee members be reminded that Tourism is an economic engine that the state relies heavily upon, especially in this turbulent economy. If you live or work in the district of an Appropriations Committee member, please take a moment to call or e-mail him or her about the importance of funding Governor Nixon's recommendation of
$20.4 million for the Missouri Division of Tourism. These members should be reminded that the Governor's recommended funding level will help offset significant cuts that came about last year as a result of an unexpected dip in the state's revenues. Bringing more people to Missouri will generate revenue that the state desperately needs.
Gary Figgins
Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Committee
Members of the House Appropriations Committee for Transportation and Economic Development are:
Chairman Charles Schlottach,
573-751-6668, E-Mail: Charlie.Schlottach@house.mo.gov
Vice-chair Doug Funderburk,
573-751-2176, E-Mail: Doug.Funderburk@house.mo.gov
Rep. Sue Allen,
573-751-9765, E-Mail: Sue.Allen@house.mo.gov
Rep. Vicki Englund,
573-751-4298, E-Mail: Vicki.Englund@house.mo.gov
Rep. Denny Hoskins
573-751-4302, E-Mail: Denny.Hoskins@house.mo.gov
Rep. Andrew Koenig
573-751-5568, E-Mail: Andrew.Koenig@house.mo.gov
Rep. Sam Komo
573-751-6625, E-Mail: Sam.Komo@house.mo.gov
Rep. Mike Leara
573-751-2150, E-Mail: Mike.Leara@house.mo.gov
Rep. Tom Loehner
573-751-1344, E-Mail: Tom.Loehner@house.mo.gov
Rep. Tom McDonald
573-751-9851, E-Mail: Tom.McDonald@house.mo.gov
Rep. Sharon Pace
573-751-4726, E-Mail: Sharon.Pace@house.mo.gov
Rep. Rachel Storch
573-751-1400, E-Mail: Rachel.Storch@house.mo.gov
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Legislative Update
Dale Amick - MTC Legislative Consultant
February 5, 2010
Gov. Jay Nixon this past week continued slashing the current state budget amid a continual decline in state revenue. The Division of Tourism was spared further budget cuts.
The governor this past week cut another 75 million dollars and 150 jobs from the current state budget. In total, the governor has cut close to 800 million dollars and 2,000 jobs from the current state budget compared to a year ago. Further cuts may be on the horizon as state revenue continues to shrink.
The House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development this coming week is scheduled to hear a presentation on the budget for the Department of Economic Development, which includes the Division of Tourism. The governor has recommended a 20.4 million dollar budget for the Division in the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The February 5, 2010 Legislative Status Report is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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Legislative Update
Dale Amick - MTC Legislative Consultant
1/29/10
Appropriation committees in both the House and Senate have begun deliberations on writing a new state budget set to go into effect July 1.
This coming week, the House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development will take its first look at the governor's proposed budget for the Division of Tourism.
Gov. Jay Nixon recommended 20.4 million dollars for the Division in the next fiscal year. That figure is more than what the Division will end up spending this fiscal year, but short of what the legislature recommended last year.
The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to review the Division budget within the next two weeks.
State revenues continue to fall, making the drafting of a new state budget even more difficult. Missouri's constitution requires a balanced state budget.
Missouri is considered to be in better financial shape than most other state governments across the country. But the current budget and the proposed new budget both will rely on heavy amounts of federal stimulus funding.
The January 29, 2010 Legislative Update is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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1/21/10
Despite the worst budgetary situation in recent memory, Gov. Jay Nixon has recommended 20.4 million dollar budget for the Division of Tourism. That figure is about one million dollars less than the legislature approved last year for the agency.
While cutting over 250 million dollars from other state agency budgets and reducing the state payroll by another 500 jobs in his new budget recommendations, the governor has closely maintained state spending for the Division of Tourism. This is a first-step victory for the industry and now we must work to keep the governor's funding level as it goes through the budget process in the legislature.
The governor released his budget recommendations after his "State of the State" address January 20. Most state agencies took heavy budget cuts in his new budget. That will mean numerous groups and organizations will come to Jefferson City in the coming weeks to seek restoration of budget cuts for their specific issues. That is why it is paramount those in the tourism and travel industry talk to their legislators about keeping the governor's funding level for the Division of tourism.
Thank you must go to Gov. Jay Nixon and Division Director Katie Steele Danner for their strong stand in support of the tourism and travel industry.
The legislative update is available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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1/15/10
Writing a new state budget is the highlighted issue of the 2010 Missouri legislative session now underway in Jefferson City.
Gov. Jay Nixon has cut the current state budget by about 640 million dollars, including millions from the Division of Tourism budget. Shortfalls continue so the governor is expected to cut another 200 million dollars from the budget soon.
The governor will deliver his new budget recommendations in a speech to a joint session of the Missouri Legislature January 20. Look for up to 20 per cent spending cuts in many state programs and services.
Incoming state revenue remains alarmingly below last year's levels with no relief in sight. Unemployment remains at 10 per cent and the state continues to lose jobs.
Economic development initiatives will be on the legislative front burner, but the fact is states are limited in what they can do to stem the tide of a nationwide recession. The state's auto industry is in shambles and the agricultural sector is experiencing low commodity prices. Tourism remains one of the few generally bright lights in the state's overall economic picture.
Legislative updates are posted on the Missouri Travel Council Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
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Tourism Industry Friends,
In what has become one of the most turbulent budgeting processes in recent state history, we have learned that the battle to preserve tourism funding for the current fiscal year is not over, as we had previously hoped.
Missouri's travel industry learned this week that the Missouri Department of Economic Development has ordered the Division of Tourism to cut $7 million from its current budget, an amount equivalent to 35 percent of the agency's
appropriated budget. Of even greater concern is the fact that Tourism's cut represents nearly 64 percent of the $11.3 million in total withholdings issued by the Governor's office for the Department of Economic Development.
Travel industry associations obtained a copy of DED's recommended expenditure reductions this week, discovering the inequitable distribution of DED's recommended cuts. With the exception of the Division of Tourism, most other agencies within the department were ordered to trim their budgets by 10 percent, while several DED programs remained unscathed.
While Missouri's tourism industry can certainly understand the need to address the projected shortfall in state revenue this year, DED's disproportionate distribution of those cuts illustrates the Department's attempt to unfairly force one agency to shoulder the bulk of it's overall budget reduction. In addition, the recommended cuts disregard the legislative process through which lawmakers allocated funding during the most recent legislative session. Legislators approved funding of just under
$24 million in May. A month later, Governor Nixon trimmed nearly $6 million from the state's tourism budget, and control of Division expenditures was handed to the Department of Economic Development, a move that is in direct violation with the organizational charter of the Division of Tourism. As a Type 3 agency, all budgetary decisions governing tourism expenditures are overseen by the Tourism Commission, according to state statute. At the same time, DED questioned the Division of Tourism's allocation of $1.5 million to the Tour of Missouri professional bike race. Funds for the race were eventually released.
One-time federal stimulus funds totaling $3 million were added to the Division's budget last month. While this brings the Division's operating expenditures up to the $16 million mark this year, it should be noted that should the Governor base his FY2011 budget on current year funding, the Division of Tourism will be looking at beginning the next fiscal year with $10 million less than the last one.
The legislative committees of Missouri's tourism associations have begun working on plans to address this disproportionate cut, but in the meantime industry members are encouraged to contact their legislators and make them aware of this action that is being taken by the Department of Economic Development.
We will continue to keep you updated, and we will certainly depend upon your assistance in the coming months.
MTC Legislative Committee
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RIVER HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
MINUTES
JUNE 3, 2009
Mississippi County hosted The River Heritage Association meeting on June 3, 2009 at the Flame in East Prairie. There were 25 members and guests present. Before the meeting members visited the Mississippi County Historical Museum, Olde Towne Antiques, the Cotton Belt Caboose, Memorial Garden on East Main and the new Veteran’s Memorial at the East Prairie Alumni School Museum.
President Chuck Martin called the meeting to order and thanked our hosts, Pastor Dan Asher and his helpers from the First East Prairie United Methodist Church. A warm welcome was given by Mayor Clinton Wolford.
The March 4, 2009 minutes were presented by Secretary Sandy Hill. Motion was made by Ron Steele to accept the minutes and Delilah Tayloe seconded the motion.
Treasurer Shirley Perry presented the Treasurer’s Report. Balance on hand as of June 3, 2009-
$11, 268.06. Income included $500.00-dues; Meals-last meeting-$630.00; Interest on money market-$3.74; Interest on CD-$23.98. Expenses included: Cowtown Restaurant-$585.00; Creative Design-$135.00; Howard’s Athletics-plaques-$108.00; Service charge on money market account-$9.00.
The program was a presentation, given by Margie Stull, with Cape CVB, on how to submit attractions, events, restaurants, etc. listings on the VisitMo.com web site and the Missouri Travel Guide; and President Chuck Martin shared a 15-minute video on “The Southeast Story”. Videos such as this can be used as a vehicle to promote our River Heritage Region.
Following the program, discussion groups were formed to discuss the future of the River Heritage Association. Suggestions from members were as follows:
*Update and reprint the River Heritage Region brochure
*Cable TV coverage
* DVD
*Internal workshops
*List of benefits of River Heritage Assoc. to give to prospective members
*Have a guest speaker
*Show a video f your town if available
*Literature exchange
*Internet information is very important
*Survey to see where visitors heard about your attractions
*Use Missouri Planner
*Blurb in newspaper about events
Upcoming events were presented by members. Silvey Barker and Claudia Arington conducted a drawing for attendance prizes.
The upcoming meeting dates and locations are as follows:
September 2 – Ste Genevieve
December 2 – Cape Girardeau
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Hill
Secretary
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Great Business Opportunity
Turn Key Antique Shop
Located in Historic Fredericktown, MO
Fully decorated, display cases, large sales counter, lots of off street customer parking, large office area, handicap accessible, customer restrooms, electric and gas heat, efficiency kitchen, two bedroom apartment upstairs. Call Stan Nations for a personal tour (573) 631-8812 or e-mail stannations@msn.com.
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Missouri Travel Council
Final 2009 Legislative Update
Gary Figgins, MTC Legislative Chair
May 21, 2009
The 2009 legislative session is over, and I would like to take a moment to thank each of you for the time you devoted to speaking with your legislators the past few months. Without your willingness to take time from your jobs to remind legislators of the important role that Tourism plays in Missouri's economy, the past session would not have been a success.
With a new governor and new legislative leadership, we knew going into this session that it might be difficult. The fact that lawmakers in both parties recognize the vital role this industry plays is a testament to efforts you have put forth. And the fact that Tourism was one of the few programs that was not cut this year is a testament to their commitment to foster continued growth.
Legislative lobbying is about relationship building. Efforts are far more successful when a legislator sees you as a constituent-a voter-rather than a nameless face in the Capitol. Over the coming summer and fall, I would challenge each of you to make contact with your legislator in his-and your-hometown or at a local function. It is always nice for them to hear from you when you're NOT asking for something.
I would also like to take a special moment to thank MTC's legislative consultant, Dale Amick. Few people understand how much time he spends at the Capitol and away from his own family between the months of January and May. Thanks also goes to Bob Smith and Bob Hain at the Missouri Division of Tourism for the cooperation and information they provide on a daily basis. Have a great summer!
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Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Update
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
May 18, 2009
Budgetary decisions highlighted the 2009 Missouri legislative session that ended May 15.
The legislature approved a 23-billion-dollar new state budget that includes 23.7 million dollars for the Division of Tourism, the same funding level as the agency has this fiscal year. The Division was one of the few state agencies not to have its budget cut for the new fiscal year beginning July 1.
Gov. Jay Nixon had recommended the Division budget not be cut for the next fiscal year and the legislature agreed.
The legislature also passed nearly one billion dollars in spending of federal stabilization and stimulus money sent from Congress. Part of the funds were used to prop up the new state budget. The remainder is to be used for major state capital improvement projects all across the state. The legislature kept in reserve about one billion dollars in federal stimulus money for potential budget shortfalls in the 2011 fiscal year.
The governor must approve all spending proposals passed by the legislature before they can become law.
A major jobs bill was passed by the legislature in the closing hours of the session. The various provisions of the bill are expected to help businesses create from 2,000-5,000 new jobs. The bill also placed limits on several popular tax credits programs, including the historic preservation tax credits popular in the urban areas. The bill removes the state corporate franchise tax for small businesses.
Other bills that passed would:
--Remove the appropriation limit on the Missouri Arts Council.
--Change law regulating travel clubs.
--Allow for a four-day school week.
--Change lien procedures for outboard motors and vessels.
--Define boat docks as real property and require Lake of the Ozarks docks to display 911 addresses.
--Limit certain beer containers and coolers on the state's floating streams.
Among legislation that failed to pass was an omnibus local government bill that would have allowed Jefferson City to increase its tourism tax from 5 to 7 per cent.
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Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Update
Gary Figgins, Legislative Chair
May 8, 2009
The House and Senate yesterday afternoon truly agreed to and finally passed HB 7, which includes $23.7 million budget for the Division of Tourism. The bill now goes to the governor for his signature. Governor Nixon originally recommended this amount of funding when he presented his budget blueprint back in January. The only difference between the version passed by the General Assembly and the governor's recommendation is the fact that legislators rely on just over $3 million from the federal budget stabilization fund. Governor Nixon's recommendation called for the entire amount to be funded from general revenue.
There are still a number of non-budget-related bills before the legislature.
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