Greater St' Louis

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St. Louis RCGA 2009 Legislative Priorities

• Greater St. Louis
• Economic Development Network
• December 4, 2008

Eric Schneider Sr. Director of Public Policy
Research
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Legislative Leadership
Missouri
Illinois
Gov. Jay Nixon (D)
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D)
Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago)
Speaker of the House Michael Madigan (D-Chicago)
Speaker of the House Ron Richard (R-Joplin)
Senate President Pro-Tem Charlie Shields (R-St.
Joseph)
Senate Minority Leader Victor Callahan
(D-Independence)
House Minority Leader Paul LeVota
(D-Independence)
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno
(R-Lemont)
House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego)
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Budget Environment

• The RCGA must be realistic about the economic
  crisis and financial challenges facing state
  budgets
• MO FY09 estimated budget shortfall of 342
  million
• IL FY09 already 800 million short unpaid bills
  at 4 billion
• We stand ready to assist state elected officials
  in exercising fiscal discipline, but will also
  urge them to continue to make targeted, strategic
  investments to help stabilize and grow their
  economy.
• It is imperative that state government strengthen
  its job creation and retention efforts and remain
  committed to proven economic development
  programs.

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Economic Development

• Support Grow Me State Initiative in Missouri.
• End the Diversion of Missouri Life Sciences Trust
  Fund money.
• Pass the Illinois Capital Bill.
• Preserve and expand proven economic development
  tax credit programs in both states.

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Economic Development Grow Me State Initiative
2006 data
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Economic Development"Grow Me State Initiative
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Economic Development

• Key Elements of Grow Me State Initiative
• Angel Tax Credit Program
• 5 million to stimulate venture capital
  investment in Missouris advanced technology
  companies.
• Proof of Concept Program
• 1.25 million to assist in commercializing
  advanced technology innovation.
• Seed Capital Program
• 10 million co-investments in advanced technology
  companies.
• Supported by Statewide Chambers Coalition and
  Forward Metro St. Louis
• For more information go to www.growmestate.com

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Economic DevelopmentMO Life Sciences Trust Fund

• FY 2009 MO Life Sciences Research Trust Fund at
  21.0m
• (13.4m new, 7.6m from FY 2008)
• 29m diverted to other purposes
• Preserve eligibility of research projects for
  medical devices, drug research and human health
  technology

Full Funding
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Economic DevelopmentIllinois Capital Bill

• Passage is critical for regional transportation
  and education projects.
• New science lab at SIU-Edwardsville
• New Mississippi River Bridge and Route 3
  improvements
• Gateway Connector project (I-255 to
  I-55/I-70/I-64)
• Reconstruction of I-55 at IL 162 in St. Clair
  County
• Closely watch proposed funding approaches for
  potentially adverse impact on business community.

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Other Priorities

• Restore MO Research and Development Tax Credit to
  strengthen our regions technology companies
• Create income tax deductions for patents
  developed in IL
• Defend the use of proven economic development tax
  credits in Missouri (Quality Jobs Historic,
  Brownfield, Job Training)
• Joint Committee on Tax Policy Recommendations
• Encourage small business growth and
  entrepreneurial development through increased
  grants and assistance
• Increase funding for higher education
  institutions.
• Improve access to health insurance and maximize
  federal dollars for the state Medicaid systems.

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Other Priorities

• Encourage technology infrastructure investment.
• Improve math, science, engineering and technology
  education.
• Support Arts and Tourism Funding
• Support codification of MO employment at-will
  doctrine
• Support action on the Arch Grounds Connector and
  an active public use for the Arch Grounds.

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RCGA Legislative Agendawww.stlrcga.orgPublic
Policy