Missouri Science & Reinvestment Act
2010 MOBIO Priority Legislation
All MOBIO members should take note of the following priority legislation. Senate Bill 895 filed by Senator Tom Dempsey (R-23, St. Charles) and House Bill 1511 filed by State Representative Tim Flook (R - 34, Liberty). MOBIO is in strong support of its passage.
Background:
Companion legislation, Senate Bill 895 and House Bill 1511, filed at the beginning of the 2010 legislative session creates the Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act for the purposes of enhancing the national position of the state to make it a leader in life sciences and technology, to help retain, grow and enhance both existing and new science and technology companies in Missouri, and to enhance the high-tech workforce development environment to foster economic growth and create quality jobs for all Missouri residents.
The Act does not create any new taxes nor does it seek budget money currently being directed to Missouri general revenues. Rather, after a set base year, it will capture part of the increase in gross receipts from state income taxes generated by employees working within designated science and innovation fields.
The Act will strengthen the governing authority of the Missouri Technology Corporation which will be overseen by a public board of directors with expert advisory boards to ensure projects are sceince based with the greatest potential economic return to the citizens of Missouri.
The Act is written broadly to enable the MTC to undertake the strongest opportunities, such projects could include: recruitment of aligned companies to Missouri; company creation; capital formation; infrastructure needs including incubators, lab space, research parks and district development; professional workforce training at all levels; and attracting and retaining scientists, entrepreneurs, and others with science expertise to Missouri.
Senate Bill 895
Senate Bill 895 was sponsored by Senator Tom Dempsey (R-23, St. Charles) and enjoyed 13 co-sponsors.
Senator Tom Dempsey, Republican, District 23 -St. Charles
Status: Introduced
SB 895 was referred by Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields to the Senate Jobs and Economic Development on February 8th and awaits a hearing.
House Bill 1511
House Bill 1511 is sponsored by Rep. Tim Flook (R-34, Liberty)
Representative Tom Flook , Republican, District 34 -Liberty
HB 1511, with more than 50 House co-sponsors, was referred by Speaker Ron Richard and a hearing held on January 12th in the House Job Creation and Economic Development committee, chaired by Rep. Tim Flook.
Witnesses testifying at the hearing in support of the bill included Dr. Dan Getman of the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, Vicky Gonzalez from the Nidus Center, Dr. Jim Baker from Missouri State University, Trisha Workman representing Monsanto Company, Jim Moody representing the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Greg Swarens of Hallmark Cards, Ben Johnson from the Coalition for Plant and Life Sciences, Tracy King and Trey Davis from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Chip Casteel from the St. Louis RCGA, Kristy Wyatt from the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Ann Brand on behalf of the St. Louis Community College, and Jim Farrell of the Center for Emerging Technologies and MOBIO.
Summary and Talking Points
MOBIO members are strongly encouraged to read and review the actual bill legislation and provide input in the spirit of making the MOSIRA Reinvestment Act even stronger.
Attached for your review are: MOSIRA Talking Points
Additionally, you may be interested in reviewing this bill summary prior to your active discussions with legislators: MOSIRA Summary of Proposed Legislation
Letters In Support
MOBIO members are strongly encouraged to draft their own support letters and communicate with legislators directly. In addition, please forward a copy of your correspondence so we can maintain an active file of supporters to use to influence legislators in the coming weeks.
Here is a sample template to draft from: MOSIRA Letter in Support Template
Support letters have been generated to date have included:
Forward your letter of support to MOBIO's Alex Eaton for inclusion in MOBIO's files. Your letter is critical to our use in showing statewide, broad-based support.
MOSIRA Press Coverage
On March 27th, 2009 KOMU Channel 8 in Columbia covered the introduction of MOSIRA. Reporter Erica Zucco described the legislation as a pathway to further diversify Missouri's economy and state budget revenue streams, and that it holds the promise to potentially create much needed jobs. Opposing comments included thoughts from Sen. Jason Crowell.
Read: MOSIRA Could Spark Science Startups
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