TO:  MTC Members

FROM:  Dale Amick - MTC Legislative Consultant (damick@socket.net)

[ CLICK HERE to view the January 26, 2006 Legislative Status Report ]

The Missouri House Appropriations Committee for Economic Development  begun full-scale hearings this week on part of the new state budget that includes the Division of Tourism.  

Tourism Director John Robinson made a presentation to the committee this week and highlighted the activities of the Division and how that agency will spend any new money. Robinson made an excellent presentation and  left a positive impression with the committee regarding the Division’s operations.  

Gov. Matt Blunt has recommended 17.8 million dollars for the Division’s new budget. That is the same level appropriated by the legislature last year. However, the governor last year deleted over 20 per cent of the amount due to a revenue shortfall.  

Legislation to change the Missouri school start-up date is expected to be filed soon.

The primary activity this week at the Capitol were committee hearings on the hundreds of bills filed for the 2006 session.