http://www.columbiatribune.com/2007/Feb ... ews015.asp
House ties tax breaks to immigrant policies

Published Thursday, February 22, 2007
JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - Employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants would be barred from receiving some state tax credits in a bill that gained initial approval in the House.

Lawmakers yesterday added the restriction to a bill that expands a business tax break program. The prohibition would also require employers to pay back any tax breaks earned through the program if they are caught knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

The underlying bill, which was endorsed by voice vote, expands the recently created "Quality Jobs Act" and extends the program for an additional 10 years.

The tax program allows employers to keep the withholding taxes on their workers’ paychecks rather than turning them over to the state if they pay at least half the premium of their employees’ health insurance and pay their employees at least the average wage in that county.

The amendment to bar employers of illegal immigrants from participating in the Quality Jobs program was offered by Rep. Tony George, D-Florissant. He said illegal immigrants have held down wages for American workers, and those who hire them should not be rewarded.

George’s amendment was approved 145-8.

Rep. Tim Flook, the most vocal critic of the restriction, said it gives employers a monetary incentive to discriminate.

"There are a vast number of illegal immigrants in the state and a vast number of people in this state who would appear to be illegal based on their accent and their skin," said Flook, R-Liberty.

But supporters said it punishes employers who choose to break the law, not those who unknowingly violate it.

House Majority Leader Tom Dempsey said the "knowingly" standard in the restriction offers plenty of protection for mistakes.

"There is a legal way to enter this country, and we need to honor the people who are going through that process," said Dempsey, R-St. Charles.

The bill requires another House vote before it can move to the Senate.

The tax program was created in 2005 as an incentive for businesses to come to Missouri or add Missouri workers. Gov. Matt Blunt in his annual State of the State speech to lawmakers last month called it "the most important economic development tool that we have ever had."