Jefferson City, MO – As the Missouri legislative session approaches its final days, a surprise amendment was added to a bill about taxes that caught House members off guard.
State Representative Bennie Cook (R) of Texas County offered an amendment to SB 25 - which provides tax exemptions for broadband expansion - after the bill's title was changed to cover any taxable income. His amendment would exempt all teachers and school employees from paying state income taxes for 6 years.
Rep. Maggie Nurrenburg of Clay County wanted to make sure she heard that right. "Any teacher or school employee?" and Cook confirmed that. "School bus driver?" "School employee." he replied. "Cafeteria worker?" "School employee." "Custodian?" "School employee."
Democrats all perked up at the GOP member's amendment, and Rep. Raychel Proudie of St. Louis County chimed in. "I don't know what made the gentleman, the genius from Texas think about it, but Lord love him, Lord bless him. I hope this passes unanimously."
Not everyone felt that way. Republican Rep. Mike McGirl had carried the Senate bill, and asked Cook if he knew what the fiscal note would be. That's the cost to the state to provide the tax break. Rep. Cook said he did not, and McGirl chuckled, saying the idea had not been vetted, and would oppose it.
As it turned out, the concept of giving teachers and staff a break was very popular, and the amendment passed 136 o 6. However, before school employees begin thinking about what they'll do with that savings, SB 25 was then placed on the "informal calendar for perfection" to be revisited later.
The legislative session runs out Friday, so there's little time to give it final passage in the House, then advance to the Senate for passage there. This same measure includes an exemption for diapers and feminine hygiene products from state sales tax. Teacher, school workers, parents and women should all stay tuned.