JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Mike Parson yesterday signed House Bill 3, containing a six-year extension of tax credit programs offered through the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) and other key agriculture provisions. In the following statement, Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) President Clint Stephens of Advance, Mo., praised the successful passage as a win for continued investments in the state’s top industry. “For the last two years, the Missouri Corn Growers Association has helped push for this hard-fought victory. Our thanks go out to industry partners and a special thanks to the legislators in the House and Senate for recognizing the value of fully extending agriculture and rural tax credits that have a record of giving back more dollars to the state than what is invested. “These tax credits played a significant role in establishing today’s ethanol industry, increasing revenues in rural areas while generating additional value for this state’s corn crop and creating high-paying jobs in our local communities. By passing House Bill 3, current and future farmer-owned cooperatives can continue to play a pivotal role in growing Missouri’s economy. “This win would not be possible without the leadership of Gov. Mike Parson. He stood strong to his roots and held true to his word to make sure Missouri farmers maintained a seat at the table. Farming is a tough business, and there aren’t many political leaders who can fully appreciate the challenges in feeding and fueling the world. We thank Gov. Parson for his dedication and commitment to moving this state forward.” | 