The latest attempt to push an economic development bill through the State Senate fails as the legislative vehicle – SB 215 – is filibustered and eventually laid over without a vote being taken. This version contains economic development measures but does not contain tax credit reform. Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph), the sponsor, sees that as the sticking point.

“I think it’s pretty clear, the Senate position, from a number of our Senators and I think you saw tonight is that they want tax credit reform,” said Shields. “They’re not willing to pass an economic development bill that does not have some measure of reform of our tax credit system.”

This bill remains an option for passing economic development legislation, but it’s not the only one.

“There’s two other economic development bills – Senate bills – that are sitting in the House,” said Shields “I mean, there’s different vehicles and mechanisms that you can use.”

As for hope that a bill can be passed in the time that remains in this legislative session, Shields remains optimistic.

“May 15th, at 5:59 would be the time I’ll probably lose my optimism,” insists Shields. “But up to that point I believe there’s time to get this done.”

Download/Listen: Reporters interview Senator Charlie Shields (4:00 MP3)
Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)