HCS HB 299 -- MISSOURI ARTS COUNCIL APPROPRIATION

SPONSOR:  Sutherland (Wilson, 119)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Ways and Means by a vote of 11 to 0.

This substitute removes the $10 million appropriation limit per
fiscal year to the Missouri Arts Council from the estimate of
income tax revenues of professional athletes and nonresident
entertainers.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and
FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will assist the
Missouri Arts Council.  The amount generated by the professional
athletes and entertainers tax was $28 million last year with
$10.8 million being appropriated to the council.  Before the
annual transfer to the council began in 1994, it received $7
million from the General Revenue Fund.  The bill eliminates
differing opinions on what the $10 million cap refers to by
removing the cap.  The bill is good for economic development
since art and cultural events sell more tickets than any sports
event.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Wilson (119) and
Storch; Missouri Citizens for the Arts; Beverly Strohmeyer,
Missouri Arts Council; and Missouri Chamber of Commerce and
Industry.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill are against its concept.

Testifying against the bill was Kansas City Chiefs Football Club.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am