Incoming Mo. House Speaker skeptical about tax credit report

The incoming Speaker of the Missouri House is hinting of a battle with Governor Jay Nixon over tax credits.
A committee appointed by the Democratic governor has recommended eliminating nearly half of the state's tax credit programs. House Speaker-elect Steven Tilley (R, Perryville) says he has doubts about the accuracy of the tax credit committee report.
"My preliminary evaluation of it is (that) they've used false data and incorrect conclusions to come up with the recommendations," Tilley told reporters at a press conference today.
He also said the report would be thoroughly reviewed.
"I think you have to look at the cost benefit analysis of each tax credit," Tilley said. "To my knowledge, the commission did not even come to an agreement on what the cost benefit analysis of each tax credit is...but we're gonna do nothing to unilaterally disarm this state('s ability) to create jobs."
Late in the 2010 regular session, Governor Nixon proposed cutting the amount of tax breaks doled out each year and transferring oversight to the Department of Economic Development, which is under the Governor's office.
Outgoing House Speaker Ron Richard (R, Joplin) balked at the proposal, calling it a centralization of power.
The 2011 session begins next month.