This year, we’ve pledged to address benevolent tax credits again. We have to separate benevolent tax credits from the overall tax credit stalemate. There is a huge difference between economic development tax credits, which cost the state hundreds of millions a year, and benevolent tax credits, which are a relative drop in the budgetary bucket.

Even more importantly, these credits go to charities and non-profit organizations that fill an important gap in state-provided aid. There is no way the state can afford to care for every citizen. It’s simply not fiscally possible. But, we can encourage Missourians to help each other, which is what these credits do.

A number of bills have been filed this session to renew the expired programs and extend the expiration date of those set to expire this year, including a bill I sponsored. On Wednesday, the Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee considered the bills addressing the expiration of the benevolent tax credits.

During the hearing, we heard various testimonies about how important these tax credits are. The Food Pantry Tax Credit is given to people who donate to food pantries. This tax incentive is critical in encouraging citizens to give to these charitable organizations. While many individuals would donate regardless, this credit can often be that extra push citizens need to lend a helping hand. Without it, many food pantries would not receive enough donations to meet demand, which would be devastating to countless families across the state. According to testimony heard during the meeting, 1 in 6 people in Missouri receive help from a food pantry.

The Residential Dwelling Accessibility Tax Credit goes to Missourians with disabilities to offset the costs of making accessible house modifications, such as ramp installation or door widening. This credit helps make 40 residential homes accessible in our state each year. Without this credit, many Missourians with disabilities would not be able to live in the comforts of their own home.

Locally, the Children in Crisis Tax Credit helps fund Isabel’s House, which provides care to children in difficult family situations. The credit also goes to people who donate to the Boys and Girls Town of Missouri and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. The Pregnancy Resource Center Tax Credit helps support facilities that assist women with unplanned or crisis pregnancies.

These are just a few of the benevolent tax credits that help families in our area and throughout the state. People depend on these programs and the groups they help fund. They provide critical aid, and without these tax credits, many of those organizations would be forced to close or reduce the number of people they help.

The three benevolent tax credit bills filed this session were combined into one, which will then go before the Senate for debate. There is broad support for these measures, and I’m optimistic about their chances for approval. The gridlock over tax credit reform appears to have finally broken. Numerous legislators from both chambers have signaled their intent to take up reform.

However, it is my strong hope that other lawmakers recognize the difference between economic development tax credits and benevolent tax credits. Even if we can’t come to an agreement on tax credit reform, we have to renew these benevolent tax credit programs. It’s the right thing to do for the people of Missouri.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other matter regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503; you are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.