Mixed reaction to governor’s tax credit review commission
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By Brian R. Hook on July 23, 2010
Not everyone is happy with the creation of the Tax Credit Review Commission, unveiled by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, to review the state’s 61 tax credit programs. While some fear the commission will recommend cutting tax credits, others think it will not go far enough to reign in what they describe as corporate giveaways.
The Missouri Coalition for Historic Preservation and Economic Development criticized the tax credit commission as lacking enough representation of people who know the economic benefits of historic tax credits.
“There are, for example, no representatives from small main street organizations, community development organizations, or historic preservation organizations, all of whom have firsthand experience in how well the program works for the average citizen,” said spokesperson Deb Sheals in a statement.
It also appears that members chosen for the commission will pit education interests against development and redevelopment efforts, according to the MCHPED, a coalition of business leaders, developers, preservationists, and labor groups that works to lobby and educate in an effort to protect historic tax credits in Missouri.
Return on investment
The governor named 25 business, community and legislative leaders to serve on the commission earlier this week, noting the mission of the group is to perform analysis to ensure taxpayers receive the greatest possible return on investment from the state’s tax credit programs and make recommendations for modifications.
“Missouri must have sharp, effective development tools that will promote growth, create jobs, strengthen our communities and continue to drive our economic recovery forward,” Nixon said in a statement.
The tax credit review commission meetings will be open to the public and press, a spokesperson for the governor told Missouri Watchdog. However, the meetings have not been scheduled yet. It is up to the co-chairs, Steve Stogel and Chuck Gross, to decide when and where the commission will meet, she said.
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