Transportation development districts that impose taxes without voter approval are growing in number and operating with little government oversight, according to a July 25 report by State Auditor Susan Montee. At the end of 2006, 120 districts had been established, nearly 70 percent of them in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas. They are expected to collect more than $1 billion combined over the five- to 40-year duration of their taxes.
Under a 1997 state law, developers can ask a judge for approval to set up a special taxing district, which levies sales taxes at retail businesses within a development. The proceeds are supposed to be used to pay for infrastructure at the development.Problems Montee’s report identified include a lack of competitive bids for taxpayer-funded projects, improper documentation of developers’ costs and districts charging higher tax rates than authorized.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
KANSAS CONSIDERING PAYBACK FOR MISSOURI TAX HIKE
Kansas lawmakers are considering retaliation against Missouri for a bill Gov. Matt Blunt recently signed into law that increases taxes on people who work in Missouri but live in other states.
Previously, non-Missouri residents could deduct from their Missouri income taxes property taxes paid in other states. HB 444 eliminated the deduction. Some Kansas lawmakers suggest eliminating a similar deduction enjoyed by Missourians who work in Kansas.
HB 444 also cut state taxes on Social Security benefits for some Missourians. When asked about the tax increase on non-Missourians, Blunt said his duty as governor was to lower taxes for Missouri residents. In response to Blunt’s comment, Kansas state Rep. Kenny Wilk, R-Lansing, told The Associated Press: “That’s just an example of Governor Blunt’s youth and immaturity on full display.”
Previously, non-Missouri residents could deduct from their Missouri income taxes property taxes paid in other states. HB 444 eliminated the deduction. Some Kansas lawmakers suggest eliminating a similar deduction enjoyed by Missourians who work in Kansas.
HB 444 also cut state taxes on Social Security benefits for some Missourians. When asked about the tax increase on non-Missourians, Blunt said his duty as governor was to lower taxes for Missouri residents. In response to Blunt’s comment, Kansas state Rep. Kenny Wilk, R-Lansing, told The Associated Press: “That’s just an example of Governor Blunt’s youth and immaturity on full display.”
FINALIST FOR SUPREME COURT VACANCY ANNOUNCED
Republican Gov. Matt Blunt will choose from among three members of the Missouri Court of Appeals for his first appointment to the Missouri Supreme Court. The Appellate Judicial Commission selected the finalists from among 30 applicants to replace Ronnie White, who resigned from the court earlier this month to go into private practice.
The finalists are Judge Nannette Baker of the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District and Western District Judges Patricia Breckenridge and Ronald Holliger. Baker and Holliger were both appointed to their current posts by Democratic governors while Breckenridge is a Republican appointee.
White was the first and only black member of the state high court. Baker is the lone African-American among the finalists. Blunt has 60 days to make his selection. If he fails to do so, the commission will make the appointment.
The finalists are Judge Nannette Baker of the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District and Western District Judges Patricia Breckenridge and Ronald Holliger. Baker and Holliger were both appointed to their current posts by Democratic governors while Breckenridge is a Republican appointee.
White was the first and only black member of the state high court. Baker is the lone African-American among the finalists. Blunt has 60 days to make his selection. If he fails to do so, the commission will make the appointment.
CARDINALS SEEK SUBSIDY FOR BALLPARK VILLAGE
The Missouri Department of Economic Development is recommending the state provide $27 million in taxpayer subsidies for the proposed Ballpark Village development to be built next to new Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The recommended subsidy is slightly smaller than the $32 million sought by the St. Louis Cardinals and the developer the team hired for the project.
The Missouri Development Finance Board, which provides tax breaks for economic development projects, is expected to vote on the proposal next month. Ballpark Village is expected to cost $280 million, with about $100 million coming from state and local taxpayer subsidies.
Economic development officials recommended less state money than requested after concluding only about 75 percent of the sales tax revenue generated by Ballpark Village would be new revenue, while the remainder would result from sales shifted from existing businesses. Project proponents contended 90 percent of the revenue would be new.
The Missouri Development Finance Board, which provides tax breaks for economic development projects, is expected to vote on the proposal next month. Ballpark Village is expected to cost $280 million, with about $100 million coming from state and local taxpayer subsidies.
Economic development officials recommended less state money than requested after concluding only about 75 percent of the sales tax revenue generated by Ballpark Village would be new revenue, while the remainder would result from sales shifted from existing businesses. Project proponents contended 90 percent of the revenue would be new.
ADMINISTRATION URGED PATROL TO CRITICIZE NIXON
Officials in Gov. Matt Blunt’s administration pressured the Missouri State Highway Patrol to publicly criticize Attorney General Jay Nixon last month for not pursuing criminal charges against AmerenUE over the December 2005 Taum Sauk Reservoir collapse even though the patrol’s own investigation found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, according to a July 18 story by The Kansas City Star.
E-mails obtained by the paper showed that high-ranking officials in the governor’s office were upset with comments by patrol officials to the media that the patrol determined no crimes had been committed. The officials wanted the patrol to put out a statement to the contrary. At the direction of Department of Public Safety Director Mark James, Col. James Keathley, patrol superintendent, issued such a statement on June 7. Keathley’s statement contradicted several findings of the patrol’s investigation.
E-mails obtained by the paper showed that high-ranking officials in the governor’s office were upset with comments by patrol officials to the media that the patrol determined no crimes had been committed. The officials wanted the patrol to put out a statement to the contrary. At the direction of Department of Public Safety Director Mark James, Col. James Keathley, patrol superintendent, issued such a statement on June 7. Keathley’s statement contradicted several findings of the patrol’s investigation.
SPECIAL SESSION POSSIBLE AS BLUNT VETOES ECO DEVO BILL
In a surprise move, Gov. Matt Blunt on July 6 vetoed an omnibus economic development bill that would have cost the state at least $200 million a year and perhaps substantially more. The governor’s action could prompt a special legislative session in September to pass a scaled-back version on the bill.
The governor originally proposed HB 327 to expand the amount of tax credits available under the Quality Jobs program the General Assembly enacted in 2005. The legislature, in particular the Senate, loaded up the bill with all manner of additional tax breaks for various special interests, including $100 million over several years for a single St. Louis-area developer.
In addition to the cost, Blunt cited numerous flaws in the bill among his reasons for vetoing it and said many of the proposed tax breaks would have done little to improve the state’s economy. Blunt said he’s willing to call a special session on the issue if legislative leaders agree on a package that costs $50 million to $70 million. House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, seemed cool to the idea in telling The Associated Press: “I would vote to override that veto.” An override, however, appears unlikely. “I am not interested in overriding the governor,” Senate President Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, said.
The governor originally proposed HB 327 to expand the amount of tax credits available under the Quality Jobs program the General Assembly enacted in 2005. The legislature, in particular the Senate, loaded up the bill with all manner of additional tax breaks for various special interests, including $100 million over several years for a single St. Louis-area developer.
In addition to the cost, Blunt cited numerous flaws in the bill among his reasons for vetoing it and said many of the proposed tax breaks would have done little to improve the state’s economy. Blunt said he’s willing to call a special session on the issue if legislative leaders agree on a package that costs $50 million to $70 million. House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, seemed cool to the idea in telling The Associated Press: “I would vote to override that veto.” An override, however, appears unlikely. “I am not interested in overriding the governor,” Senate President Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, said.
GOVERNOR SIGNS TOUGHER ABORTION RESTRICTIONS
Two of Missouri’s three abortion clinics face closure or expensive upgrades under new regulations on abortion providers Gov. Matt Blunt signed into law on July 6. The law also prohibits people affiliated with abortion providers from providing sex education materials to public schools.
HB 1055 requires abortion providers to meet the standards of ambulatory surgical centers. Officials from Planned Parenthood told The Associated Press the new standards will force it to spend $2 million to upgrade its Columbia facility. Its Kansas City office, which only provides abortions induced by medication, will likely have to cease offering the service. Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis facility already meets the new standards.
HB 1055 requires abortion providers to meet the standards of ambulatory surgical centers. Officials from Planned Parenthood told The Associated Press the new standards will force it to spend $2 million to upgrade its Columbia facility. Its Kansas City office, which only provides abortions induced by medication, will likely have to cease offering the service. Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis facility already meets the new standards.
BUDGET SURPLUS NOW PROJECTED AT $320 MILLION
Thursday, July 12, 2007
BEARDEN RESIGNS HOUSE SEAT FOR LOBBYING GIG
House Speaker Pro Tem Carl Bearden, the No. 2 ranking House member, resigned July 12 to take an unspecified lobbying job. The Associated Press reported that Bearden, R-St. Charles, would announce details about his new job on July 13.
Bearden’s departure leaves a further void in top House leadership. House Majority Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles and the No. 3 ranking House member, is running in a Sept. 4 special election for the Senate in a heavily Republican district. On the Democratic side, House Minority Leader Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, will step down from his leadership post in September to pursue a 2008 bid for Missouri attorney general. Harris will retain his House seat through 2008.
Bearden was first elected to the House in 2000. Term limits prevent him from seeking re-election next year. Gov. Matt Blunt will have to call a special election to fill Bearden’s seat.
Bearden’s departure leaves a further void in top House leadership. House Majority Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles and the No. 3 ranking House member, is running in a Sept. 4 special election for the Senate in a heavily Republican district. On the Democratic side, House Minority Leader Jeff Harris, D-Columbia, will step down from his leadership post in September to pursue a 2008 bid for Missouri attorney general. Harris will retain his House seat through 2008.
Bearden was first elected to the House in 2000. Term limits prevent him from seeking re-election next year. Gov. Matt Blunt will have to call a special election to fill Bearden’s seat.
BUDGET SURPLUS NOW PROJECTED AT $320 MILLION
State budget officials on July 9 said Missouri will have an estimated $320 million in available but unappropriated revenue for the 2008 fiscal year, which began on July 1. When the General Assembly granted final approval to the FY 2008 budget in May, it was expected that about $200 million was being left unspent.
GOVERNOR SIGNS TOUGHER ABORTION RESTRICTIONS
Two of Missouri’s three abortion clinics face closure or expensive upgrades under new regulations on abortion providers Gov. Matt Blunt signed into law on July 6. The law also prohibits people affiliated with abortion providers from providing sex education materials to public schools.
HB 1055 requires abortion providers to meet the standards of ambulatory surgical centers. Officials from Planned Parenthood told The Associated Press the new standards will force it to spend $2 million to upgrade its Columbia facility. Its Kansas City office, which only provides abortions induced by medication, will likely have to cease offering the service. Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis facility already meets the new standards.
HB 1055 requires abortion providers to meet the standards of ambulatory surgical centers. Officials from Planned Parenthood told The Associated Press the new standards will force it to spend $2 million to upgrade its Columbia facility. Its Kansas City office, which only provides abortions induced by medication, will likely have to cease offering the service. Planned Parenthood’s St. Louis facility already meets the new standards.
SPECIAL SESSION POSSIBLE AS BLUNT VETOES ECO DEVO BILL
In a surprise move, Gov. Matt Blunt on July 6 vetoed an omnibus economic development bill that would have cost the state at least $200 million a year and perhaps substantially more. The governor’s action could prompt a special legislative session in September to pass a scaled-back version on the bill.
The governor originally proposed HB 327 to expand the amount of tax credits available under the Quality Jobs program the General Assembly enacted in 2005. The legislature, in particular the Senate, loaded up the bill with all manner of additional tax breaks for various special interests, including $100 million over several years for a single St. Louis-area developer.
In addition to the cost, Blunt cited numerous flaws in the bill among his reasons for vetoing it and said many of the proposed tax breaks would have done little to improve the state’s economy. Blunt said he’s willing to call a special session on the issue if legislative leaders agree on a package that costs $50 million to $70 million. House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, seemed cool to the idea in telling The Associated Press: “I would vote to override that veto.” An override, however, appears unlikely. “I am not interested in overriding the governor,” Senate President Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, said.
The governor originally proposed HB 327 to expand the amount of tax credits available under the Quality Jobs program the General Assembly enacted in 2005. The legislature, in particular the Senate, loaded up the bill with all manner of additional tax breaks for various special interests, including $100 million over several years for a single St. Louis-area developer.
In addition to the cost, Blunt cited numerous flaws in the bill among his reasons for vetoing it and said many of the proposed tax breaks would have done little to improve the state’s economy. Blunt said he’s willing to call a special session on the issue if legislative leaders agree on a package that costs $50 million to $70 million. House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, seemed cool to the idea in telling The Associated Press: “I would vote to override that veto.” An override, however, appears unlikely. “I am not interested in overriding the governor,” Senate President Tem Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, said.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
BLUNT SIGNS SOCIAL SECURITY TAX CUT
Gov. Matt Blunt on July 5 signed a bill into law that expands the exemption on Social Security benefits from state income taxes. The bill will gradually be phased in costing the state an estimated $27 million in lost revenue in the first year and $154 million a year once fully effective in 2012.
Under the previous law, individuals with incomes under $25,000 a year and married couples earning less than $32,000 a year – the bulk of Missouri senior citizens – didn’t pay state taxes on Social Security benefits. HB 444 raises the exemption threshold to $85,000 for an individual and $100,000 for couples.
Another part of the bill increases taxes on those who own property in another state by repealing a provision of Missouri’s tax code that allowed people to deduct property taxes paid to another state from their Missouri taxable income. Eliminating the deduction is estimated to bring in $11 million a year for the state.
Under the previous law, individuals with incomes under $25,000 a year and married couples earning less than $32,000 a year – the bulk of Missouri senior citizens – didn’t pay state taxes on Social Security benefits. HB 444 raises the exemption threshold to $85,000 for an individual and $100,000 for couples.
Another part of the bill increases taxes on those who own property in another state by repealing a provision of Missouri’s tax code that allowed people to deduct property taxes paid to another state from their Missouri taxable income. Eliminating the deduction is estimated to bring in $11 million a year for the state.
BILL CLOSING LOOPHOLE IN DWI LAW SIGNED
Gov. Matt Blunt on July 2 signed legislation closing a loophole in Missouri law that allowed some people arrested for drunken driving to have evidence of their intoxication ruled inadmissible in court. The provision of HB 574 was prompted by the 2004 DWI arrest of state Rep. Charles Portwood, R-Ballwin, following an accident in which his vehicle ran through a fence and hit a pool house.
A 1982 law required medical personnel collecting a blood sample from a DWI suspect to use a non-alcoholic swab to sterilize the area from where the blood is drawn. That didn’t happen in Portwood’s case, forcing the St. Louis County prosecutor to dismiss the charges against him in 2006.
Following the publicity raised by the dismissal, several medical experts said use of an alcohol swab doesn’t taint the results of blood samples used to determine a suspect’s blood alcohol content because medicinal alcohol is chemically different from alcohol that is consumed. “This legislation ensures those guilty of driving while intoxicated will not be able to escape conviction merely because our guidelines on testing alcohol levels were too explicit,” Blunt said in a statement.
A 1982 law required medical personnel collecting a blood sample from a DWI suspect to use a non-alcoholic swab to sterilize the area from where the blood is drawn. That didn’t happen in Portwood’s case, forcing the St. Louis County prosecutor to dismiss the charges against him in 2006.
Following the publicity raised by the dismissal, several medical experts said use of an alcohol swab doesn’t taint the results of blood samples used to determine a suspect’s blood alcohol content because medicinal alcohol is chemically different from alcohol that is consumed. “This legislation ensures those guilty of driving while intoxicated will not be able to escape conviction merely because our guidelines on testing alcohol levels were too explicit,” Blunt said in a statement.
COLE COUNTY JUDGE BLOCKS MIDWIFE LAW
Cole County Circuit Judge Patricia Joyce on July 3 issued a temporary restraining order preventing a new state law that legalizes the practice of lay midwifery from taking effect. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Aug. 2.
State Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, secretly slipped the obscurely worded midwifery provision into a larger bill he was handling related to health insurance. The provision wasn’t discovered until after the General Assembly granted final passage of the bill, HB 818. Gov. Matt Blunt later singed the bill into law.
The Missouri State Medical Association and other physicians’ groups filed a lawsuit on June 29 claiming the midwifery provision is unrelated to the subject matter of the underlying bill in violation of the Missouri Constitution.
State Sen. John Loudon, R-Ballwin, secretly slipped the obscurely worded midwifery provision into a larger bill he was handling related to health insurance. The provision wasn’t discovered until after the General Assembly granted final passage of the bill, HB 818. Gov. Matt Blunt later singed the bill into law.
The Missouri State Medical Association and other physicians’ groups filed a lawsuit on June 29 claiming the midwifery provision is unrelated to the subject matter of the underlying bill in violation of the Missouri Constitution.
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