A Missouri lawmaker has filed a bill to renew an amateur sporting tax credit program.
State Rep. Jean Evans, R-Manchester, has filed legislation to renew and enhance that tax credit program, which was signed into law in 2013.
Evans says the tax credit allows for a portion of state sales tax revenue generated by new sporting events brought to Missouri to be rebated to certified nonprofit local host organizations to offset expenses.
Evans says since the credit was implemented in 2014, it has helped Missouri land at least 50 events that she says will generate $229 million in direct visitor spending and more than 325,000 overnight visitors.
Evans says the program has been a success is making Missouri competitive with other states as the Show-Me State works to land events like the SEC men’s basketball tournament.
The 2018 SEC men’s basketball tournament will take place from March 7-11 at St. Louis’ Scottrade Center.
Evans’ bill would reauthorize the amateur sporting events tax credit until 2030. Without the legislation, Evans says the credit will expire in 2019.
She says the nonprofit host organizations only receive the tax credit after an event is secured and takes place, and the dollars have already gone into Missouri’s economy.
Evans, whose district includes Manchester and Valley Park, has served on the Boards for USA Volleyball Gateway Region.
Missouri’s 2018 legislative session begins on January 3 at noon in Jefferson City.