The effort to improve the nationwide workforce shortage is multi-faceted, with affordable employee housing an important part of the mix. House Bill 2407, sponsored by Rep. Greg Sharpe (R-Ewing), seeks to address this complex issue.
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry testified in favor of the bill in the House Rural Community Development Committee this week. The legislation offers tax incentives to developers of housing units, including refunds of sales taxes paid on construction materials.
Sharpe said the program is modeled after successful initiatives in Iowa and Nebraska. “We talk a lot about attracting and retaining talent and stabilizing the tax base. These people also need a place to live, particularly in rural communities.”
The Workforce Housing Tax Incentive Program would offer a maximum of $1 million in credits for any single project. The total appropriation of $35 million would include $17.5 million targeted for small cities.
Heidi Geisbuhler Sutherland, director of legislative affairs for the Missouri Chamber, testified in support of the bill.
“This legislation is a great economic driver for rural communities where there may not be as many homes available for workers,” she said. “When a potential employee is considering a job, they want to be sure that affordable, quality housing options are available near their place of work.”
For more information, contact Geisbuhler Sutherland at hsutherland@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511.
