Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Recent News About Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry
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Missouri Senate passes SB 748 renewing critical healthcare funding program
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed its appreciation to the Senate for passing SB 748, a bill that plays a crucial role in maintaining the economic health of the state by ensuring the continued operation of its hospitals. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield), was approved by the Senate on Thursday with a vote of 31-2.
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Missouri General Assembly passes budget including key business priorities
The Missouri General Assembly has approved a spending plan that incorporates key business priorities endorsed by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These include funding for the expansion of I-44, the development and retention of a skilled workforce, and the domestication of high-tech manufacturing industries crucial to national security.
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Missouri Chamber backs bill to reform class action lawsuit rules
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed its support for a tort reform bill, SB 1509, which aims to simplify the rules surrounding class action lawsuits. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield), was recently presented to the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.
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Leadership Missouri Reveals 2024 Class Selections
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has selected 26 leaders from across the state to participate in the Leadership Missouri program.
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Missouri Chamber Supports Second-Chance Hiring Legislation
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is throwing its weight behind legislation that would provide protection for employers hiring individuals with a criminal record. Speaking in support of the bill, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director of Legislative Affairs Heidi Geisbuhler Sutherland emphasized the importance of the provision that would offer civil liability protections for employers taking a chance on ex-offenders.The proposed bill, HB 2064, aims to create liability protections for employers who hire individuals with a criminal history, with...
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Top 4: Our priorities with two weeks left
With just two weeks remaining in Missouri’s 2024 legislative session, several critical business priorities hang in the balance. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry's governmental affairs team has been actively advocating for these priorities as the session nears its conclusion on May 17.The Missouri Chamber is urging lawmakers to take action on key issues such as addressing Missouri's child care crisis, curbing the rising crime rate, renewing the federal reimbursement allowance (FRA) program, and reforming the statute of limitations.Regarding the child care...
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Bill to extend teacher externship program awaits Senate debate
Legislation to allow Missouri teachers to continue to participate in hands-on learning and take that knowledge back to their students was sent this week to the full Senate for consideration."The Missouri Chamber was in strong support of Shields’ bill. We believe it’s good policy for the state to integrate and build relationships between businesses and schools." - Kara Corches, vice president of governmental affairs for the Missouri ChamberThe bill in question is HB 1945, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph), which seeks to repeal the sunset provision for the...
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Senate gives initial approval to essential health care funding bill
On May 3, 2024, the Missouri Senate has given initial approval to legislation crucial for the state's healthcare system. Senate Bill 748, sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Hough, aims to renew the Federal Reimbursement Allowance program (FRA) that plays a significant role in sustaining essential health care services across Missouri.According to an unknown speaker, the FRA program has been described as a "critical funding mechanism" for the state's hospitals, nursing homes, and pharmacies to support Missouri's Medicaid program, generating approximately $4 billion annually in...
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Senate committee weighs in on state budget
The Senate Appropriations Committee has formulated a comprehensive $50 billion spending plan for the state of Missouri. This proposed budget encompasses funding for crucial business initiatives supported by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, such as enhancements to Interstate 44 and onshore semiconductor manufacturing.Senator Lincoln Hough of Springfield, who leads the Senate Appropriations Committee, has demonstrated a dedication to advancing Missouri’s future by emphasizing education, infrastructure, and workforce development.In response to the proposed...
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Legislators propose changes to Missouri Works economic development program
Lawmakers in Missouri are considering a bill aimed at enhancing the state's economic development program, Missouri Works. The proposed legislation, HB 2479, sponsored by Rep. Louis Riggs (R-Hannibal), seeks to make changes to Missouri Works, a program administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development that assists companies in accessing capital through tax credits and withholdings.Riggs expressed that the bill aims to make Missouri Works more competitive with similar programs in other states, stating, "This is a simple bill that will enable Missouri Works to...
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Senate committee hears crime prevention legislation supported by Missouri Chamber
A comprehensive public safety bill sponsored by Rep. Lane Roberts (R-Joplin) and supported by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is currently being considered by the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.During a hearing before the committee, Kara Corches, vice president of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber, highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, “There are a number of important provisions in this bill. These include enacting ‘Blair’s Law,’ which addresses the issue of celebratory gunfire, and strengthening...
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Missouri Chamber supports legislation to prevent local government overreach
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is backing legislation to prevent government overreach into business practices at the local level. HB 2866, sponsored by Rep. Sherri Gallick (R-Belton), was recently heard in the House General Laws Committee.Gallick emphasized the importance of the bill by stating, "As legislators, we need to stop overreach that adds unnecessary regulations and hurts small businesses and workers." The proposed legislation aims to address various employment-related topics, including the information requested on job applications, leave time...
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Regulatory Sandbox Act Gains Momentum in Missouri Legislature
The Regulatory Sandbox Act, also known as HB 1960, is making progress in the Missouri legislature after being passed by the House earlier this year. Sponsored by Representative Alex Riley, the bill aims to foster new business ideas by creating a regulatory sandbox where entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive.Representative Alex Riley, the sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of the Regulatory Sandbox Act in removing barriers for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Riley stated, "The Regulatory Sandbox Act would remove barriers of entry for entrepreneurs...
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House budget prioritizes infrastructure investment
The Missouri House has passed a spending plan which includes funding for several key business priorities backed by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including money to improve Interstate 44 and expand broadband access in rural areas. House lawmakers passed the budget bills – which total roughly $50 billion – on Thursday, April 4.Legislators have shown a commitment to investing in Missouri’s infrastructure and maximizing the state’s position as a logistics hub. After making a historic investment in I-70 last year, House lawmakers have proposed a FY25 budget...
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Missouri Chamber backs tax credits for critical mineral mining
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is supporting a bill that aims to boost economic development and reduce the country's reliance on foreign sources for microchips and energy production. The proposed legislation, known as the Missouri Defense and Energy Independence Act, is sponsored by Sen. Justin Brown (R-Rolla).According to Sen. Brown, "This bill provides the business community and entrepreneurs with a critical tool that will facilitate positive economic change in our state."The bill, designated as SB 1360, would enable companies to receive up to $6...
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Missouri Chamber Supports Legislation to Reduce Recidivism
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is throwing its weight behind legislative efforts aimed at curbing recidivism by streamlining the process of expunging criminal records. A series of Clean Slate bills were presented in Senate and House committees this week, including SB 763 by Sen. Brian Williams, SB 1161 by Sen. Curtis Trent, HB 2108 by Rep. Phil Christofanelli, and HB 2555 by Rep. Justin Hicks. These bills seek to establish an automated expungement process for certain non-violent offenses, moving away from the current petition-based system.Representative...
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Missouri Chamber Continues Fight Against Threat to Businesses’ Intellectual Property
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is taking a stand against a potential threat to businesses' intellectual property in the form of a "right to repair" bill. The bill, known as HB 2475, aims to grant farmers the ability to repair their own farm equipment by providing them access to diagnostic and repair information, as well as the option to purchase repair parts and tools.During a hearing of the House Special Committee on Innovation and Technology, Kara Corches, the Missouri Chamber Vice President of Governmental Affairs, expressed concerns about the...
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Top 6: What to Watch in the Second Half of the Legislative Session
"Lawmakers in Missouri are gearing up for their return to work after the spring break, ready to tackle key issues in the second half of the legislative session. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is leading the charge to advocate for various important matters affecting the state's businesses and residents.The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling on employers to actively engage in the legislative process by reaching out to their legislators on important bills. According to the organization, "We need your voice. Please review the issues below and...
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Child care tax credit package moves forward in Senate
The Senate Governmental Accountability Committee has advanced a groundbreaking legislative package aimed at enhancing the capacity of child care providers and facilitating businesses in offering child care benefits to bolster employee retention and recruitment. The bill, HB 1488 sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields (R-St. Joseph) and its Senate companion, SB 742 sponsored by Sen. Lauren Arthur (D-Kansas City), are now awaiting action by the full Senate after gaining committee approval.Kara Corches, vice president of governmental affairs for the Missouri Chamber, emphasized...
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Missouri Chamber supports tax credits for critical mineral mining
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is backing a bill that would help spur economic development and decrease U.S. dependence on foreign microchip and energy production."It’s not only needed, but absolutely vital for the future of the United States," said Rep. Aaron McMullen, sponsor of HB 1834, also known as the Missouri Defense and Energy Independence Act. "There are certain critical materials in the U.S. defense effort that are critical to the U.S. economy that are currently being processed and made by foreign, adversarial governments. If these certain...