The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry says a tax-cut bill up for debate during September's veto session is important for Missouri in terms of competing economically with other states.
"It is extremely important to put us on a competitive footing with states around us, and frankly the world in this global economy," said Daniel P. Mehan, president of the chamber.
The chamber hosted the Grow Missouri Grassroots Coalition on Friday to discuss how the bill's veto override is key for Missouri businesses.
Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed the tax-cut bill in June, but the bill is scheduled to go to the House for a possible veto override Sept. 11.
The bill proposes to cut income taxes on personal incomes and businesses, and to increase taxes on textbooks and prescription drugs.
Supporters of the bill override say the bill will encourage business growth in Missouri, as well as encourage Missouri businesses to remain in the state.
Mehan said tax cuts have been successful in six states surrounding Missouri - Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas and Tennessee.
"Why would we wait (on these tax-cuts)?" Mehan said. "We know that this issue leads to job growth.
"I think any politician wants to create jobs and this is a way to do it."
The chamber is hosting Texas Gov. Rick Perry Aug. 29 in St. Louis to discuss how low taxes in Texas have helped the state's economy and job market.
"Gov. Perry in Texas is an example of how to do it right," said Bev Randles, chairman of Missouri Club for Growth. "I've heard him (Gov. Perry) make jokes about poaching other states, and if he intends to poach Missouri businesses, what I hope is we've got a climate where business owners will say "No thank you Governor, I'm very happy where I'm at.'"
Critics of the tax-cut bill worry the bill will harm education funding and funding for other public services. They also worry that the bill does nothing for the middle class.
Nixon has been touring the state defending his veto and discussing the negative impact he believes the tax-cut bill would have on education, mental health services and the state's economy.
Mehan said he thinks the votes will be close when the House votes on the bill in September. If the House overrides the bill, it moves to the Senate for a vote.
"When you have this discussion and you open the board on a veto override, there's a different dynamic than during the session," Mehan said. "When you're the one, two, third person holding back a tax cut from the families of the state of Missouri, that's a lot of pressure and there's a lot of different dynamics.
"A lot can change a great deal in that moment."