By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – Some Republican state senators seeking to rein in Missouri's tax credits have a new ally: Teachers.
Two of the state's leading teachers' associations are supporting an effort by Republican Sen. Jason Crowell, of Cape Girardeau, to give lawmakers greater control over tax credits. Crowell also has the backing of several other senators.
They want to make tax credits subject to the annual budgeting process. As it stands, many tax credits function as an entitlement and are awarded regardless of the state's finances.
Republican House leaders and many tax credit recipients remain opposed to Crowell's bill. They say it is not practical.
Missouri has more than 50 active tax credit programs. Last year, it redeemed $585 million of tax credits.