March 14, 2025

House Economic Development Committee Hears YOP/NAP Tax Credit Bill

This week, the Missouri House Economic Development (EcoDevo) Committee heard HB 682, sponsored by Rep. David Casteel (R-High Ridge), which would increase the state tax credit available under the Youth Opportunity Program (YOP) and the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) from 50% to 70%.  These credits have been used over the years by our CCSTL ministries, including Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, Marygrove, St. Francis Community Services, St. Louis Counseling, and St. Patrick Center to raise funds to support the work they do serving those in need in our communities.

Marygrove, for example, provides residential foster care services to some of our most troubled youth. The state provides us with a daily stipend for the services we provide, but the daily rate has traditionally been and continues to be below the cost of the care.  We have to raise funds to make up the difference. These tax credits provide donors with an incentive to donate towards this important work. Over the last few years, other benevolent tax credit programs have increased their credits available from 50-70%, making the NAP and YOP credits less attractive.  We asked the committee members to pass HB 682 to create parity among the benevolent tax credits.  Overall, the committee seemed supportive of this idea, but no vote was taken. If a bill has the support of the committee, a vote is taken during the next meeting of the committee.

This bill has been a legislative priority for us the last few years. We hope this year we will be able to get this bill passed.

The legislature is on spring break next week, so look for the next update after they return. Enjoy the warmer weather!

Deacon Tyler