Where Does Crowell Stand on Tax Credit Proposal?

The St. Louis Business Journal, News-Leader and Post-Dispatch all have new stories about a potential compromise between Senate Republicans and Governor Nixon that would change the way the state's tax credit programs are handled to subject them to some of the scrutiny applied to spending programs. 

Mentioned nowhere in any of the articles is Sen. Jason Crowell (R-Cape Girardeau). Crowell has been pushing his own changes to state tax credit programs, hoping to give lawmakers greater control over credits, but is apparently not on board with the compromise proposal yet.

The Post-Dispatch's Virginia Young hits the highlights:

The new plan would cap total tax credit authorizations for most programs at about $370 million, saving about $252 million.  It would not touch tax credits that help the elderly and disabled pay property taxes.

Of major interest to St. Louis: historic preservation tax credits would be capped at $75 million a year — about half the amount allowed now — though the House and Senate appropriations committees could allocate more. The same cap would apply to low-income housing tax credits, though those are redeemed over 10 years.

The Department of Economic Development would assume more authority over business development tax credits, which would be capped at $150 million a year. The agency also would gain the power to give out some of the credits as up-front,  ”refundable credits” — that means cash.

That would leave $69.7 million for the remaining programs, which would be subject to appropriation by the Legislature.

Crowell has a reputation as a Senator "renowned for his willingness to single-handedly obstruct legislation to suit his own interests." And as one who suscribes to the Rod Jetton brand of "public service," would hardly surprise folks if he remained open to alternate proposals and counter-offers. 

Stay tuned.

Image credit: JasonCrowell.com