Modifies provisions relating to state funds for regional planning commissions
Impact
The bill sets a cap on state funding for certain regional planning commissions with specific amounts allocated for them. The maximum grant amount is specified to be $130,000 for the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council and the Mid-America Regional Council, alongside $50,000 for various other regional planning commissions scattered throughout the state. Additionally, the bill mandates an annual adjustment of these maximum grant amounts in alignment with the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, which introduces a mechanism to ensure that the funding keeps pace with inflation over time.
Summary
Senate Bill 1112 aims to modify the provisions relating to state funds for regional planning commissions by repealing the existing section 251.034 of RSMo and enacting a new section in its place. This new legislation stipulates that payments made to regional planning commissions will follow a matching basis where the state funds would represent one-half of the total funding required, contingent upon local units providing matching funds as well. This approach is intended to promote fairness and local investment in regional planning initiatives.
Contention
This bill is significant as it emphasizes the concept of shared financial responsibility between state and local governments, potentially fostering greater local stakeholder engagement in planning processes. However, the requirement for local matching funds could pose challenges for certain regions that may already be financially strained. Thus, while the bill may enhance state financial support for regional initiatives, it may also highlight disparities among different local units in terms of financial capability and resources.