Senate votes to nix property tax credit for low-income renters

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Intro:	A bill moving through Missouri's state capitol could mean higher tax bills for some people who rent homes or apartments.
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Wrap: The state Senate has voted 21-12 to get rid of a property tax credit given to low-income renters across the state.

The bill would still give the property tax credit to low income people who own their home. And some of the bills critics, like Republican Senator Rob Schaaf (shaw-f) of St. Joseph, say that would be unfair.

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Description: "There going to be hurt just as bad because when the property tax goes up really, really high, they're going to have to pay that. And they might have to move out of their places."

Supporters of the bill say that it needs to pass so that the state can balance its budget for next year. The bill now goes to the state House.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Wes Duplantier. Newsradio 1120. KMOX.

Intro:	A bill moving through Missouri's state capitol could mean higher tax bills for some people who rent homes or apartments.
RunTime:	0:47
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The state Senate has voted 21-12 to get rid of a property tax credit given to low-income renters across the state.

Some critics in the Capitol say that move could take money away from poor senior citizens who need it. But the bill's sponsor, St. Charles Republican Senator Tom Dempsey, says the money might be used for other things as well.

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Description: "I don't deny that there are very worthy uses. But the same money could also be used for a trip to the casino."

Cutting out the tax credit could save the state $57 millon next year. That money would go to fund programs for seniors and the poor.

The tax credit bill now goes to the state House.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Wes Duplantier. Newsradio 1120. KMOX.

Intro:	A bill moving through Missouri's state capitol could mean higher tax bills for some people who rent homes or apartments.
RunTime:	0:45
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The state Senate has voted 21-12 to get rid of a property tax credit given to low-income renters.

Supporters say the bill needs to pass so that Missouri can balance its budget. Cutting out the tax credit would free up $57 millon next year to go to programs for seniors and the poor.

Lawmakers have said tax credit reform is a priority this year. But Democrats, like Kansas City Senator Jolie Justus, say this bill unfairly puts the burden on the state's poorest residents.

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Description: "But the problem is: this is a program that we've had for years and for many low-income seniors, who have a fixed income, this is the only expendable money that they'll have over the course of the year."

The renters bill now goes to the state House.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Wes Duplantier. Newsradio 1120. KMOX.