Star: Tax Credit Programs Must Be Scrutinized Like Any Other Appropriation

The Star hits the nail on the head: "The legislature spends extensive time weighing every dollar it appropriates. It should be as diligent in evaluating the dollars it forfeits through credits against future tax bills."

While some of Missouri’s tax credits are uniformly good for the state and its citizens, the biggest programs benefit developers, financers, lawyers and lobbyists while delivering questionable returns to the state.

Overall, Missouri’s tax credit policy cries out for more scrutiny and tighter controls. A commission appointed by Nixon appears to recognize that reality. Its members have recommended sunsets and/or caps on nearly all programs, even those that benefit senior citizens and domestic violence shelters.

Those are good policies. The legislature spends extensive time weighing every dollar it appropriates. It should be as diligent in evaluating the dollars it forfeits through credits against future tax bills.