Springfield Business Journal_2021-06-07

12 · SBJ.NET JUNE 7-13, 2021 GOVERNMENT Business communit y paves way for policy achievements The Missouri legislative session ended on May 14, and while the session was an unusual one due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, it was ultimately very suc- cessful, with the passage of several critical priorities for the business community. From bringing fairness to local brick- and-mortar businesses with the collection of online sales tax from out-of-state retail- ers to supporting transportation infrastruc- ture with the first increase in statewide motor fuel tax in nearly 30 years, several of the Springfield Area Chamber of Com- merce’s member-driven priorities made it through the legislature after close to a decade of effort. Here are four legislative victories. 1. Investment in roads and bridges. In- vestment in the state transportation system is critical for Missouri’s economic success. Senate Bill 262 provides additional funding for critical improvements and maintenance of the state’s transportation system through an increase in the gas tax along with an in- crease in fees on electric vehicles. Starting in October, motorists will see a 2.5 cent yearly increase in the motor fuel tax for the next five years. This bill also includes a pro- cess for interested users to collect a refund of the increased tax amount. 2. Online sales tax. A mechanism to col- lect online sales tax, commonly referred to as “Wayfair,” crossed the finish line af- ter several years of advocacy efforts. SB 153 allows for the collection of a use tax on sellers without a physical presence in Missouri. Along with helping local brick and mortar businesses better compete with online retailers, this is an important mod- ernization step for an increasingly online economy. 3. COVID-19 liability protections. SB 51 passed on the final day of the session, of- fering liability protections for businesses, organizations, health care providers and personal protective equipment manufac- turers against frivolous COVID-related civil actions. This was a top priority for both the business community and the gov- ernor. 4. Prescription drug monitoring pro- gram. SB 63 is heading to Gov. Mike Parson for final approval after many years of work. Missouri was the final state in the nation to implement a centralized, statewide PDMP, which will assist in addressing the opioid crisis. Additional wins The legislature approved a Hand-Up pi- lot program in Greene County. This helps address the child care subsidy “cliff effect” by ensuring participants continue to receive transitional child care benefits when their income surpasses the eligibility level for full benefits. This also will help address work- force shortages by encouraging caregivers to reenter the workforce while maintaining reduced benefits. Lawmakers also approved a boost to ap- prenticeships by allowing state 529 savings plans to be used for apprenticeship expens- es, enhancing career education and expand- ing access to employment-focused training in Missouri schools. Budget The fiscal 2022 budget included signifi- cant core funding increases for Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College, as well as funding for OTC’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing, MSU’s Darr Agricultural Center and a new Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at the Jordan Valley Innovation Center. The bud- get also fully funds the K-12 education foun- dation formula, includes increased funding for the A+ and Bright Flight scholarship programs, $10 million for broadband expan- sion and $6 million for the Fast Track Work- force Incentive Grant program. Increased funding also was allocated to the Missouri Technology Corp., which will assist the con- tinued growth of the Efactory and the work of local entrepreneurs. The Springfield region’s business and community leaders have consistently helped lead the way on encouraging legis- lative action on joint priorities. Lawmak- ers from across the state often comment on legislative engagement from our area, from people with varied professional ex- pertise and backgrounds. This year was no exception. Even as we altered plans due to the pandemic, numerous business leaders, transportation stakeholders and young pro- fessionals helped carry important messages to lawmakers through virtual events, letters, written testimony and in-person Capitol visits. Together, this helped pave the way for some important policy achievements. While work always remains on legislative issues that were not accomplished, many of the priorities that did pass this session set Missouri up for continued growth in the years to come. The chamber and the busi- ness community are grateful for the south- west Missouri legislators who supported and championed these important priorities, and we look forward to the governor signing them into law. Sandy Howard is the senior vice president of public affairs for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at sandy@springfieldchamber.com. INDUSTRY INSIGHT Sandy Howard CECB is a full service firm serving the Business, Estate Planning and Business Dispute Resolution needs of southwest Missouri. It is our commitment to excellence that is uniquely CECB. Call today for the experienced lawyers at Carnahan, Evans, Cantwell, & Brown, P.C. The Choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. Uniquely Suited for Your Business 2805 South Ingram Mill Road,Springfield, Missouri 65804 417.447.4400 | www.cecb.com | cecb@cecb.com 37 years of knowledge and experience in Service, Technology and Sales. Call a pro. (417) 866-5083 • Springfield, MO ambussys.com Byron Pearson