Senate debate on a wide ranging economic development bill indicates there are sharp differences over issues such as tax credits and the value of tax credit programs.
Senator Matt Bartle (R-Lee’s Summit) took advantage of the opportunity to criticize the return to the state from such programs as the historic preservation tax credit. Bartle labels many of the beneficiaries of tax credit programs, collectively, as "the tall hog" and "the big hog" at the trough taking what is available and leaving the smaller hogs to fight for what is left. He considers the historic preservation tax credit as "one giant hog … the hog that is gobbling up everything."
Senator Jeff Smith (D-St. Louis) defended the historic preservation tax credit, saying it benefits the state. "According to the state," said Smith. "Every dollar we’ve spent on historics has brought back one dollar and 78 cents just in state income taxes."
The legislation was put on the shelf with the chamber taking no vote.