Nixon signs benevolent tax credit legislation into law

Gov. Jay Nixon on March 29 signed into law legislation that renews or extends several benevolent tax credit programs.

The legislation - Senate bills 20, 15 and 19 - was sponsored in the Senate by Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, and handled in the House by Eric Burlison, R-Springfield.

“These benevolent tax credits fully engage the charitable spirit of Missourians, which reflects our core principles, and spur locally driven efforts to help Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens," Dixon said in a news release.

The legislation included an emergency clause, which enacted it immediately upon the governor's signature.

"Continuing to move our state forward means making sure we don't leave our most vulnerable citizens behind," Nixon said in a separate release. "That is why I am pleased to sign this bipartisan legislation that will help charitable organizations across Missouri feed the hungry, protect children in crisis and assist families in need."

Benevolent tax credits supported by the bill include:

• the Public Safety Officer Surviving Spouse Tax Credit, designed to aid the surviving spouses of public safety officers killed in duty;
• the Children in Crisis Tax Credit -  renamed the Champion for Children tax credit in honor of former Sen. Norma Champion - which benefits crisis nurseries, child advocacy centers and court-appointed advocates;
• the Residential Dwelling Accessibility Tax Credit, which allows individuals with disabilities greater autonomy by living at home longer;
• the Pregnancy Resource Center Tax Credit, which supports pregnancy resource centers for women with unplanned or crisis pregnancies; and
• the Food Pantry Tax Credit, supporting the state's food banks and pantries.