An important tax credit program for charitable organizations has been reinstated.
The benevolent tax credit program lapsed last year, a situation that some charities say has discouraged needed donations.
The renewal of those credits was one of the first bills passed by the legislature this year. Governor Nixon has gone to a food bank in Cape Girardeau to sign the bill.
Several organizations will benefit from the measure–food pantries, pregnancy resource centers, child advocacy ceners, and crisis nurseries among them.
The law says people making donations to recognized charities will get credits against their taxes for up to half of the amount given. Governor Nixon says the money can leverage other funds that will reduce the amount of state money supporting them.
The same bill also renews property tax credits for surviving spouses of public safety officers killed in the line of duty. It also extends tax credits for low-and middle income Missourians wanting to make their homes handicap accessible, and for those adopting children with special needs.
The governor also has signed a second tax credit bill. It is designed to encourage more amateur sporting events to be held in Missouri.