ST. LOUIS • Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon ratcheted up on Wednesday his criticism of Texas Gov. Rick Perry and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce — which is helping host Perry’s speech tonight in Chesterfield even as the Texan runs radio ads here to woo Missouri businesses to Texas.
“For the Missouri Chamber of Commerce to host a speaker at the same time that speaker is running ads saying Missouri businesses should go to another state, I think is in direct contravention with the purpose of that organization, which is to support and enhance Missouri businesses,” Nixon told a gathering of supporters at Boeing Co.
Perry, a former GOP presidential candidate, has been voicing radio ads in Missouri touting Texas as a more business-friendly place for employers, in advance of his speech to a coalition group that includes the Missouri Chamber of Commerce.
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Nixon, a Democrat, chided the Chamber on Tuesday in a letter to members, questioning the decision to host an alleged job-poacher.
The underlying issue is legislation passed this year by the Missouri Legislature, then vetoed by Nixon, that seeks to reduce state tax collections by more than $700 million annually. It would lower the top personal income tax rate to 5.5 percent from 6 percent, and the corporate tax rate would fall by 3 points, to 3.25 percent.
Supporters claim it will spur economic growth by leaving more money in people’s hands, and have been trying to rally lawmakers for an override of the veto next month. Nixon claims it would primarily help only the corporations and the rich while hurting state services. He has been lobbying around the state against the override campaign.
Missouri Republican leaders have defended Perry’s appearance and are using it to promote their attempted veto override. A statement from state House Speaker Tim Jones referred to Thursday’s speech as a “Pro-Growth Event.”
The Missouri Democratic Party jumped into the fray as well, putting up an Internet ad that slams Perry’s visit while defending Nixon’s veto of the tax-cut bill.
Perry’s event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 16625 Swingley Ridge Road in Chesterfield. Free tickets can be reserved at www.growmissouri.com.
