This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, May 17, 2012 - Senate Majority Leader Tom Dempsey indicated that there might be a legislative solution to Gov. Jay Nixon’s concerns about legislation aimed at collecting sales taxes on vehicles purchased out of state.
The Democratic governor released a critical statement of House Budget Chairman Ryan Silvey’s bill on Thursday. The bill had been sought by car dealers in Kansas City and St. Louis frustrated with losing sales to neighboring states. Nixon contended the bill “would bypass a vote of the people and improperly impose a tax increase.”
Dempsey, R-St. Charles, told reporters after the Senate adjourned Thursday night that language could be attached to bills moving through the legislative process that could mollify Nixon’s trepidation. Although Dempsey didn't delve into specifics, he said an amendment to Sen. Mike Parson's bill could put the tax issue up for a referendum in certain local jurisdictions.
He also added that it would be possible to pass something that the governor would sign Friday, the final day of the General Assembly's session.
“You see how much easier it is when the governor clearly states his position for the legislature to act,” Dempsey said. “I wish he would do that on more items.”
Dempsey though was less optimistic about a bill limiting tenure by eliminating seniority as a factor in the process of laying off teachers. He said that the bill “is on life support.”
He also gave a dim assessment to a push to lower the cap for the historic preservation tax credit from $140 million to $75 million.> The bill would also establish a tax credit to attract sporting events to the state and extend expiration dates on “benevolent” incentives for spurring donations to certain social-welfare organizations.
“Certainly, we’d love in the Senate if the House would take up the modest tax credit reform we passed – as well as the sports commission tax credit to attract events and the extension of the social service credits,” Dempsey said. “There’s still time to get that done. What I’ve read from you guys … it doesn’t look that promising.”
Dempsey was referring to reports that members of the House – including the bill’s handler, state Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City – had no interest in going through with the proposal.
Overall though, Dempsey said he was pleased with the productivity of the Senate – which adjourned earlier on the second-to-last day of session than in previous years. He noted that the chamber had passed sent Sen. Bob Dixon’s legislation that stipulates how administrative rules are reviewed. And he said that the Senate is prepared to pass a raft of House bills over to the governor tomorrow.
“I think we’re in very good shape as we head into the last day,” Dempsey said.
Tempest over Jones' Tweet
(Start update) Meanwhile, Dempsey's counterpart in the Missouri House -- Majority Leader Tim Jones, R-Eureka -- touched off buzz early Friday with his own assessment on Twitter of the session, heading into the final day.
Tweeted Jones: "The left wing prog haters outside the Capitol have gone apoplectic with their rage this week. Mission accomplished. Session = Success."
(End update)
Jo Mannies, Beacon political reporter, contributed to this article.
