HCS HB 74 -- RURAL EMPOWERMENT ZONES

SPONSOR:  Wilson (119)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Rural Community Development by a vote of 8 to 0.

Currently, rural empowerment zones are only allowed to exist in
Hickory County, which has a population of 8,940 residents.  This
substitute allows these zones to exist in any county with 14,000
or fewer residents, which includes 44 counties.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $0 to
Unknown - could exceed $5,040,000 in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.  No impact on Other State Funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will allow more
counties to qualify as a rural empowerment zone.  It's difficult
for rural counties to attract any kind of industry or small
business, but this program is a tool that can help.  If a
business doesn't meet the criteria or create a minimum of 10 new
jobs, it won't receive the benefits of the program.  The bill
will support the most impoverished areas of the state.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Wilson (119) and
Richard; Missouri Economic Development Council; Taxpayers
Research Institute of Missouri; and Associated Industries of
Missouri.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:17 am