By Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – A St. Louis-area lawmaker says he's been interviewed by the FBI as to why Missouri House members failed to act on legislation affecting city sales tax rates.
Republican Timothy Jones of Eureka sponsored the bill, which would have allowed cities to continue charging multiple sales taxes, as long as they didn't exceed certain limits.
House Speaker Ron Richard (R, Joplin) says he doesn't know why the FBI is asking question about the bill's failure.
"No, that does seem kind of strange...I had no idea...I haven't had any inquiries with anybody, other than just members of our House Caucus on that issue, but I have no idea," Richard said.
Richard also says he supported the bill in principle, but held up its passage due to opposition from Majority Floor Leader Steven Tilley (R, Perryville). He added that Representative Jones plans to re-file the bill for the upcoming 2010 session.
St. Louis Public Radio also contacted Jones, who declined our request for an interview.