33rd Senate District Sees Another Gubernatorial Appointment
I’m pleased to announce a gubernatorial appointment coming from the 33rd Senate District this week as Tim Bean was named the State Fire Marshal. Previously serving as the West Plains Fire Chief, the governor announced Bean’s appointment on Thursday. Bean is the third person to be appointed to a statewide position from the 33rd Senate District since 2014. It’s a pleasure to see skills and talent from our district recognized on a state level.
Bean has been with West Plains Fire Department since 1984 and has also served as the Howell County assistant SWAT Team leader and a reserve sheriff’s deputy. Bean began his career as a volunteer firefighter and also served as a West Plains Public Safety Officer, assistant fire chief, a reserve police officer, and SWAT team member. I am confident he will succeed and do great things as the State Fire Marshal and am proud the governor has chosen him for this post.
In addition to Bean, the 33rd Senate District has seen former Rep. Maynard Wallace of Thornfield appointed to the State Board of Education in 2014 and Mike Pace of West Plains appointed to the State Highways and Transportation Commission in 2015.
In other news, this week the Senate passed Senate Bill 16, which would exempt delivery charges from sales and use taxes. In 2015 the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that charges for delivery were subject to tax because the delivery charge was included in the price. In response to that court decision, the Department of Revenue began notifying Missouri Businesses they may be required to collect sales tax on delivery fees.
For example, many pizza restaurants charge a $2 to $3 fee for delivery. The Division of Budget and Planning estimates approximately 51 million pizzas are sold in Missouri each year and would be subject to the delivery fee. Under this bill, restaurants that offer food delivery would not have to submit a separate tax on the delivery fees.
Senate Bill 16 will officially exempt delivery fees from state sales tax and lessen the burden on business owners. Businesses would have to make the delivery fees reasonable and separate from the cost of rental. By passing this bill, we can ensure the Department of Revenue doesn’t create more taxes that will harm businesses and consumers. I was proud to vote in favor of this bill and look forward to its passage by the House of Representatives.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.