© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Senate Passes Proposal Designed to Lure Large Conventions to Missouri

Legislation in the Missouri general assembly requires English to be the sole language on driver's exams.
j.stephenconn
/
flickr
Legislation in the Missouri general assembly requires English to be the sole language on driver's exams.

The state Senate has approved a proposal designed to lure large conventions to Missouri.

Senators voted 27-4 Monday to create a grant that would cover up to half the operating expenses for conventions drawing at least half their attendees from out of state.

Republican Sen. David Sater said without incentives, Missouri is competing against other states on an uneven playing field.

Republican Sen. Ed Emery opposed the bill, saying any positive impact would be nearly impossible to measure.

Democratic Sen. Jill Schupp said if lawmakers want to attract conventions, a better way would be to stifle a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow people to decline wedding-related services for same-sex couples. Similar proposals have led to a backlash in other states.

The House passed a version of the conventions bill last month.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.