House endorses tax break for stillborn children

House endorses tax break for stillborn children

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The families of stillborn children could get a one-time tax break under legislation given preliminary approval by the House. The Department of Health and Senior Services estimates there are 458 fetal deaths per year in Missouri. Legislative staff say the tax deduction would remove about $33,000 per year from state coffers. The current tax exemption for children is $2,100. Republican House sponsor Doug Funderburk of St. Peters said the tax break could help with the grieving process. He said it would help those with lower incomes the most because the tax deduction is a greater portion of their income. The legislation needs another vote before moving to the Senate.

-- From staff and wire reports