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Missouri Travel Council Legislative
Update From Dale Amick
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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Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Update
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
April 23, 2009
A joint Senate-House Conference Committee will begin drafting a final state budget blueprint this coming week. The legislature must approve a budget plan by May 8.
The Senate has approved $23.7 million budget for the Division of Tourism, the same budget level as this year. The House adopted a $20.6 million budget level for the Division.
Meanwhile, the House this coming week will begin deliberations on its spending plan for up to two billion dollars in federal stimulus and stabilization money sent from Congress. That plan will be part of any final budget blueprint drafted by the legislature. The Senate included some of this money in its regular budget proposal.
The governor's economic development program has stalled in the Senate.
Several senators object to more use of state tax credits in future economic development initiatives.
The House this week passed a sweeping tax reform plan that eliminates the state income tax and replaces it with additional sales tax. The proposed constitutional amendment also eliminates many sales tax exemptions. The Senate is not expected to push the plan.
Meanwhile, the House also passed a cut in the state income tax for those with incomes under $50,000, along with additional federal tax exemption levels for all taxpayers.
The 2009 legislative session ends May 15.
The April 23, 2009 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
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
April 16, 2009
The Missouri Senate this week approved a new budget for the Division of Tourism totaling $23.7 million. The funding comes from federal budget stabilization money approved by Congress.
The House approved a $20.7 million budget for the Division last month with the money coming from state general revenue. Gov. Jay Nixon had recommended a $23.7 million budget for the agency, the same spending level as the Division has for this fiscal year.
The budget now goes to a joint House-Senate conference committee for compromise. Major differences exist between the two chambers over how to spend federal stabilization and stimulus money sent from Congress.
The legislature must approve a new state budget by May 8.
The April 16, 2009 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
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
April 9, 2009
HB 7
Appropriations for Department of Economic Development. House Budget Committee
Chairman recommended $6 million cut in Division of Tourism budget. Governor recommended $23.7 million for
Division, same amount as in current budget. House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development
had recommended $23.7 million for the Division of Tourism budget. Budget Committee added $800,000 (Total
$18.2 million). $2 million added on House floor (Total $20.6 million). Senate Appropriations Committee approved
$23.7 million in federal stabilization money for Division budget.
STATUS: House Passed; Senate Appropriations Committee, Approved
HB 28 (Day)
Authorizes the City of Waynesville to impose, upon voter approval, a transient guest tax for a multipurpose
conference and convention center.
STATUS: Introduced
HB 83 (Wood)
Changes the laws regarding travel club membership contracts.
STATUS: House Passed; In Senate General Laws Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 163 (Dusenberg)
Removes the requirement that certain individuals wait two years after termination of employment before obtaining
direct ownership interest in or being employed by an excursion gambling boat.
STATUS: Introduced
HCS HB 88 (Brown)
Tax credit for employers who hire certain high school students for summer jobs.
STATUS: House Job Creation Committee, Approved
HB 208 (McGhee)
State Park Board responsible for managing historical marker program.
STATUS: House State Parks Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 242
Four day school week allowed. Similar amendment on another education bill defeated on Senate floor.
STATUS: House Passed; In Senate Education Committee
HB 258
Make $2.13 an hour the employer's base pay requirement for tipped employees rather than $3.52 now required by
state law.
STATUS: House Rules Committee, Approved
HB 299 (Wilson)
Removes appropriation limit on Missouri Arts Council.
STATUS: House Passed
HB 306 (Schad)
Lake area business district taxes.
STATUS: House Passed; In Senate Job Creation Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 338 (Kelly)
City of Ashland can impose a tourism tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 363 (Silvey)
Changes the professional athletes' and entertainers' tax.
STATUS: House Urban Issues Committee, Approved; On House Debate Calendar
HB 389 (Cooper)
Watercraft classified as residential property for tax purposes.
STATUS: House Ways and Means Committee, Approved
HB 433 (Guest)
Permits agri-tourism business to place signs along highway.
STATUS: House Agri-Business Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 460 (Sutherland)
Authorizes Montgomery County guest tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 548 (Salva)
City of Sugar Creek may impose a guest tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 574 (Meiners)
Establishes a Grandview city guest tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 602 (Scharnhorst)
Allows quarterly payments for sales and use tax on vehicles and boats.
STATUS: House Ways and Means Committee
HB 657
Requires "911" address on boat docks and bans glass and polystyrene containers within 50 feet of certain streams.
STATUS: House State Parks Committee, Public Hearing Held
HCS HB 703 (Jones)
Allows boat dealers to collect sales tax.
STATUS: House General Laws Committee, Approved; On House Debate Calendar
HB 710 (Flanigan)
Establishes Joplin guest tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 767 (Grill)
Increases film production tax credit cap to ten million dollars.
STATUS: House Ways and Means Committee
HB 977 (Parkinson)
Sales tax holiday for purchase of certain outdoor sports equipment.
STATUS: House Ways and Means Committee; Public Hearing Held
SB 2 (Scott)
Prohibits certain activities on the floating rivers of this state. Included in SCS 261 et al.
STATUS: Senate Judiciary Committee, Public Hearing Held
SB 111 (Crowell)
Repeals the ten million dollar annual cap on allocations of non-resident entertainer and athlete tax revenues to the
Missouri Arts Council.
STATUS: Senate Ways and Means Committee
SB 156 (Goodman)
Changes law on travel clubs.
STATUS: Senate Passed; House Small Business Committee, Approved
HCS SCS SB 165, 164, 168 and 248 (Justus)
Grandview, Ashland and Sugar Creek guest tax authorization.
STATUS: Senate Passed; House Local Government Committee, Approved
SB 187 (Vogel)
Modifies guest tax provisions.
STATUS: Senate Ways and Means Committee
SB 276 (Barnitz)
Establishes Montgomery County guest tax.
STATUS: Senate Passed; In House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
SB 349 (Goodman)
Requires Oversight Division of the Joint Committee on Legislative Research to seek information directly from the
Division of Tourism for bills that affect the tourism industry.
STATUS: Senate General Laws Committee, Approval; Removed from Consent Calendar
SB 387 (Barnitz)
Establishes Waynesville guest tax.
STATUS: Senate Passed; In House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
SB 489 (Dempsey)
Allows cities to impose license taxes on hotels and motels.
STATUS: Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee, Public Hearing Held
SB 508 (Bray)
Modifies provisions for metro zoological parks and museum districts.
STATUS: Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee
SCS SB 261 et al
Omnibus crime bill. Prohibits certain activities on state's floating streams.
STATUS: On Senate Debate Calendar
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Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Update
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
April 2, 2009
The Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a 23.7-million-dollar budget for the Division of Tourism with funding coming from federal stabilization money recently sent from Congress.
The committee Wednesday made the decision to allot the Division the same budget as its current funding level. Gov. Jay Nixon had recommended the Division receive the same budget figure of 23.7 million dollars.
The Missouri House in its recently-approved funding blueprint for fiscal 2010 had allotted the Division about 20.6 million dollars with all of that money coming from state general revenue as has occurred in the past.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Gary Nodler was abl e to utilize the federal money to keep the Division budget at the same level despite a large drop in state revenue due to the current recession. Other strong supporters of this action on the committee were Sens. Rob Mayer and Frank Barnitz.
The committee is expected to finalize its budget blueprint next week and send it onto the full Senate for approval. Once that is complete, the two houses will appoint a joint conference committee to iron out differences on the budget between the two chambers. A new budget must be approved by May 8.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Update
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
March 26, 2009
The Missouri House passed and sent to the Senate a proposed new state budget that provides close to 21 million dollars for the Division of Tourism.
Rep. Dennis Woods, working with House Budget Chairman Allen Icet, was successful in adding two million dollars to the Division budget by amendment on the House floor.
The House Budget Committee originally had recommended only about $18.5 million dollars for the Division budget, over five million dollars less than recommended by the House Appropriations Committee.
The House Budget Committee cut funding for most state programs due to the economic recession that has reduced available state revenue. In addition, the House Republican leadership has decided not to use federal stimulus money to finance ongoing state programs,
Gov. Jay Nixon had recommended $23.7 million dollars for the Division budget, the same amount as this year's spending level. The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to begin review of the House-approved budget next week. Look for major changes in the House version over in the Senate
Eight weeks remain in the 2009 legislative session.
________________________________________________________________________________
Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Update
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
March 26, 2009
HB 7
Appropriations for Department of Economic Development for new state budget. House Budget Committee
Chairman recommended $6 million cut in Division of Tourism budget. Governor recommended $23.7 million for
Division, same amount as in current budget. House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development
had recommended $23.7 million for the Division of Tourism budget. Budget Committee added $800,000 (Total
$18.2 million). $2 million added on House floor (Total $20.5 million).
STATUS: House Passed
HB 28 (Day)
Authorizes the City of Waynesville to impose, upon voter approval, a transient guest tax for a multipurpose conference and convention center.
STATUS: Introduced
HB 83 (Wood)
Changes the laws regarding travel club membership contracts.
STATUS: House Passed
HB 163 (Dusenberg)
Removes the requirement that certain individuals wait two years after termination of employment before obtaining
direct ownership interest in or being employed by an excursion gambling boat.
STATUS: Introduced
HB 88 (Brown)
Tax credit for employers who hire certain high school students for summer jobs.
STATUS: House Job Creation Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 208 (McGhee)
State Park Board responsible for managing historical marker program.
STATUS: House State Parks Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 242
Four day school week allowed.
STATUS: House Passed; In Senate Education Committee
HB 258
Make $2.13 an hour the employer's base pay requirement for tipped employees rather than $3.52 now required by
state law.
STATUS: House Rules Committee, Approved
HB 299 (Wilson)
Removes appropriation limit on Missouri Arts Council.
STATUS: House Ways and Means Committee, Approved
HB 338 (Kelly)
City of Ashland can impose a tourism tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 363 (Silvey)
Changes the professional athletes' and entertainers' tax.
STATUS: House Urban Issues Committee, Approved
HB 389 (Cooper)
Watercraft classified as residential property for tax purposes.
STATUS: House Ways and Means Committee, Approved
HB 433 (Guest)
Permits agri-tourism business to place signs along highway.
STATUS: House Agri-Business Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 460 (Sutherland)
Authorizes Montgomery County guest tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 548 (Salva)
City of Sugar Creek may impose a guest tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
2009 Missouri Legislative Status Report
by: Dale A. Amick
NOTE: For more information or copies of bills, contact Dale Amick, (573) 634-3637, or e-mail damick@socket.net .
HB 574 (Meiners)
Establishes a Grandview city guest tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 602 (Scharnhorst)
Allows quarterly payments for sales and use tax on vehicles and boats.
STATUS: House Ways and Means Committee
HB 657
Requires "911" address on boat docks and bans glass and polystyrene containers within 50 feet of certain streams.
STATUS: House State Parks Committee, Public Hearing Held
HCS HB 703 (Jones)
Allows boat dealers to collect sales tax.
STATUS: House General Laws Committee, Approved
HB 710 (Flanigan)
Establishes Joplin guest tax.
STATUS: House Local Government Committee, Public Hearing Held
HB 767 (Grill)
Increases film production tax credit cap to ten million dollars.
STATUS: Introduced
HB 977 (Parkinson)
Sales tax holiday for purchase of certain outdoor sports equipment.
STATUS: House Ways and Means Committee
SB 2 (Scott)
Prohibits certain activities on the floating rivers of this state. Included in SCS 261 et al.
STATUS: Senate Judiciary Committee, Public Hearing Held
SB 111 (Crowell)
Repeals the ten million dollar annual cap on allocations of non-resident entertainer and athlete tax revenues to the
Missouri Arts Council.
STATUS: Senate Ways and Means Committee
SB 156 (Goodman)
Changes law on travel clubs.
STATUS: Senate Passed
SCS SB 165, 164, 168 and 248 (Justus)
City of Grandview guest tax.
STATUS: Senate Passed
SB 187 (Vogel)
Modifies guest tax provisions.
STATUS: Senate Ways and Means Committee
SB 276 (Barnitz)
Establishes Montgomery County guest tax.
STATUS: Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee, Approved (Consent)
SB 349 (Goodman)
Requires Oversight Division of the Joint Committee on Legislative Research to seek information directly from the
Division of Tourism for bills that affect the tourism industry.
STATUS: Senate General Laws Committee, Approval; Removed from Consent Calendar
SB 387 (Barnitz)
Establishes Waynesville guest tax.
STATUS: Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee, Approved (Consent)
SB 489 (Dempsey)
Allows cities to impose license taxes on hotels and motels.
STATUS: Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee
SB 507 (Callahan)
Allows Sugar Creek to impose guest tax.
STATUS: Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee, Approved (Consent)
2009 Missouri Legislative Status Report
by: Dale A. Amick
NOTE: For more information or copies of bills, contact Dale Amick, (573) 634-3637, or e-mail damick@socket.net .
TOURISM (Continued) March 26, 2009
SB 508 (Bray)
Modifies provisions for metro zoological parks and museum districts.
STATUS: Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee
SCS SB 261 et al
Omnibus crime bill. Prohibits certain activities on state's floating streams.
STATUS: On Senate Debate Calendar
________________________________________________________________________________
Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Update
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
March 13, 2009
The Missouri House Budget Committee has approved a proposed new budget for the Division of Tourism that is about $5.2 million short of the agency's current funding level.
Governor Jay Nixon had recommended $23.7 million for the Division, the same budget level as this year. However, House Budget chairman Allen Icet cut that figure by $6 million. Icet and his committee restored about $800,000 back into the Division's budget this week, still leaving about a $5.2 million shortfall from the current Division budget level.
The full House will consider the committee's budget recommendations beginning March 23. Then the budget blueprint goes to the Senate for further consideration.
There is movement to determine whether to use federal stimulus funding to fill the shortfall in the Division's budget. Rep. Steve Hobbs of Mexico and Rep. Dennis Woods of Branson are working to restore full funding to the Division's budget. Hobbs, a member of the House Budget Committee, emphasized to the committee how important tourism is to the state and that now is not the time to cut the Division's budget.
MTC members should contact their state representative about how important full funding for the Division is to maintain tourism dollars flowing into the state treasury and keeping jobs and economic activity in Missouri.
The March 13, 2009 Legislative Report and Memo are available on the MTC Web site at:
http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm
________________________________________________________________________________
Missouri Travel Council
Legislative Update
Dale Amick, Legislative Consultant
February 27, 2009
The Missouri House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development has recommended 23.7 million dollars for the Division of Tourism budget for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. That proposal now goes to the House Budget Committee for further review before going to the full House.
That figure is the same spending level as the current year's budget and the same figure recommended by Gov. Jay Nixon. The Division was one of the few state agencies not to lose state funding when the governor recommended his proposed new state budget last month.
However, it is expected House Budget Committee Chairman Allen Icet may seek to cut the overall state budget recommendations from the six House appropriations committees. And the Division's budget may take a hit if that occurs.
That possible further cut in funding for state programs and services may be due to the fact that Icet has expressed doubts about using federal stimulus money to finance ongoing state programs. The governor used federal stimulus dollars in his proposed state budget to help balance his proposed budget and help pay for ongoing programs.
Tourism Capital Days this past week was a huge success once again.
Thousands of pancakes were served to lawmakers and their staff. And many legislators took part in "flipping" pancakes in the Capitol Rotunda. But more importantly, it was an opportunity for tourism industry representatives to tell their story to legislators about how important the industry is to the overall economy of the state.
The February 27, 2009 Legislative Update is now available on the MTC Web site at: http://www.missouritravel.com/leg-update.htm |
