HB 1254 -- RURAL EMPOWERMENT ZONE CRITERIA

SPONSOR:  Wilson (119)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Rural
Community Development by a vote of 10 to 0.

Currently, up to two rural empowerment zones are allowed to exist
in Hickory County, which has a population of 8,940 residents.
This bill allows a rural empowerment zone to exist in any county
with 20,000 or fewer residents, which includes 61 counties, but
prohibits more than one zone in any county.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Effect on General Revenue Fund of an
income of $0 to a cost of Unknown - could exceed $3,600,000 in FY
2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.  No impact on Other State Funds in FY
2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it is very difficult for a rural
community to encourage new businesses to locate in its area.  The
bill will provide a powerful incentive that may reverse the
current negative economic growth experienced in rural Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wilson (119);
Associated Industries of Missouri; and Taxpayers Research
Institute of Missouri.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:10 pm