Lights, Camera, Action

We’re coming down to the wire at the State Capitol, with the last day of the 2024 legislative session looming. The First Regular Session of the 102nd General Assembly ends on May 12, but as I prepare this report, the deadline for passing a balanced state operating budget is mere hours away. Suddenly, the pace of debating legislation and friendly questioning of bill sponsors typical during the early months of session has given way to a frantic rush to get legislators’ priority bills passed.

This week, the House of Representatives cast the final vote on my legislation to attract motion picture production back to Missouri. Truly agreed and finally passed by both chambers of the Legislature, Senate Bill 94 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature, clearing the way for movies to once again be filmed in our state. A priority of mine for several years, the “Show MO Act” restores a tax credit for expenses incurred while making movies in Missouri. Our previous film production tax credit lapsed in 2013, and Missouri has not hosted a major film project since. Missouri’s central location, low operating costs and diverse landscape are attractive to filmmakers, but they look elsewhere when they see other states offer tax breaks. Senate Bill 94 will provide film producers a strong financial incentive to base projects in Missouri, providing an economic boost to our communities. Film projects are significant drivers of economic activity, with production crews hiring local workers and talent (including 5,000 multi-media and film graduates per year), spending nights in hotel rooms and buying food, fuel and supplies.

Senate Bill 94 also includes the “Entertainment Industries Jobs Act,” which mirrors legislation I introduced as Senate Bill 170. The incentives authorized by this act are intended to attract world-class musical touring acts to a new stage production development and rehearsal facility being built near St. Louis. Once completed, this exciting new facility will become one of only two places in the nation with the capabilities today’s modern touring acts need to develop their elaborate productions. To qualify for the incentives, performers must utilize the facility for at least 10 days, spend at least $1 million with Missouri vendors while rehearsing or performing in the state and hold at least two concert performances in Missouri. Senate Bill 94 also includes a provision to automatically sunset the incentives if other states eliminate their incentives.

While both chambers of the Legislature were hard at work advancing bills, most of the focus was on the budget. Missouri’s operating budget for the 2024 fiscal year will total approximately $50 billion dollars. That’s billion, with a “b.” This will be the largest budget in Missouri state history, and the one most dependent on federal dollars. In fact, roughly half of the money Missouri will spend next year is tied to federal programs. As someone who is committed to holding the line on state spending, it’s frustrating for me to realize that so much of our budget is beyond the control of the Legislature. Specifically, federal Medicaid dollars carry specific requirements about how the money can be spent, who qualifies for coverage and which expenses we must incur. This is definitely money with strings attached. To some extent, other programs, such as K-12 education and transportation, also represent non-discretionary spending. My goal, as a senator and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is to ensure the discretionary portions of our state budget are spent wisely and taxpayers’ interests are protected.

I am happy to report it appears the final version of the budget we will approve later today includes the Senate’s vision for Interstate 70 improvements. The original I-70 plan proposed by the House of Representatives would have funded projects in the Lee’s Summit, Columbia and Wentzville sections of the interstate. The Senate proposed a more ambitious plan, which would bring much-needed improvements to the 21st Senatorial District. Interstate 70 spans almost the entire width of the district, from the western border of Lafayette County to the eastern edge of Cooper County. None of this area was scheduled for immediate improvements in the original budget approved by the House of Representatives. The budget we will vote on today funds widening all of Interstate 70 within the 21st District to three lanes in each direction. This project, which is expected to be completed over the next five to six years, will greatly reduce congestion on our stretch of Interstate 70 and bring economic activity to communities throughout the region.

There’s just one week left in session and things are happening fast. I’ll have more to report next week and in the weeks to come. Stay tuned, and thanks again for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at Denny.Hoskins@senate.mo.gov.