The Missouri House has passed legislation to create tax incentives to lure wealthy high-tech investors to the Show-Me State.
The "Angel Investment Incentive Act" would provide seed capital to would-be investors, particularly in high-tech fields. The incentives would be managed by the state-run Missouri Technology Corporation, which would provide up to $6 million a year to potential investors. State Rep. Delus Johnson, R-St. Joseph, says the proposal would benefit especially small business owners.
"Unfortunately in Missouri, a small business doesn't have the access to capital as it does in many other states, and that's exactly what this bill is going to do," Johnson said. "It's going to allow an angel investor to come in, invest their capital into a small Missouri business. They're also going to invest their expertise in these businesses."
House Bill 1310 contains some controversial language, though. The bill would bar investments in businesses that conduct human cloning, human embryonic stem cell research and abortion services. State Rep. Genise Montecillo, D-South County, says she could have supported the bill if not for that provision.
"This anti-abortion entity – I know we're not supposed to talk about this entity, but that is what it is – they attach their language like a leach to good legislation and it makes it very difficult to support," Montecillo said. "I don't understand what abortion has to do with angel investments, I don't understand what cloning has to do with angel investments...but I might add (that) stem cell research could actually lend itself to promoting life and good health for people who suffer from diabetes and other issues."
Montecillo was referring to Missouri Right to Life, which had opposed the bill before the language in question was added as an amendment. The amendment itself was sponsored by state Rep. Chrissy Sommer, R-St. Charles. Missouri Right to Life's Susan Klein says they are neutral on HB 1310 "as long as the pro life protective language of 196.1127 stays on the bill." In a brief statement, Klein thanked Sommer for placing the language on the bill. Klein also thanked State Rep. Steve Lynch, R-Waynesville, for adding the same language to a similar House bill, and thanked Rep. Anne Zerr, R-St. Charles, for adding it to her wide-ranging tax credit bill, HB 1501.
"Missouri Right to Life will be monitoring all these bills," Klein said.
House Bill 1310 passed 114-36, with "yes" and "no" votes coming from both sides of the aisle. It now goes to the Missouri Senate.
The Angel Investment proposal was also included in Zerr's bill that was also passed Thursday by the Missouri House.
Follow Marshall Griffin on Twitter: @MarshallGReport
