Mo. Senate opts not to negotiate on business bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri lawmakers appear increasingly likely to end their special session without passing an economic development bill that had been their main objective.

The Senate reversed course Monday and decided not to seek any further negotiations with the House on the legislation.

Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer said the Senate and House have an irreconcilable difference over whether the legislation should include a 2018 expiration on a pair of current tax credits. The credits aid construction of low-income housing and renovation of historic buildings.

The Senate has insisted the programs must have expiration dates to save money in future state budgets. The House has opposed expiration dates, saying they would make it too easy for a future senator to filibuster a bill reauthorizing the tax credits.