China hub debate heads to the Missouri House...again

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Intro:	Missouri Senators have passed a measure to the House that they say could make the St. Louis airport a hub for imports and exports.
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Wrap: Missouri lawmakers are again attempting to make Lambert St. Louis airport a "China hub" or a shipping venue aimed at attracting business from overseas.

Sponsoring Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from St. Louis County, says having the capability to ship internationally is vital to the St. Louis economy.

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Description: "For me, having an airport that connects to the rest of the world couldn't be more important. And, so to have international cargo as a part of making St. Louis a gateway to the rest of the world is really really critical. Because right now we just don't have those connections."

The bill would provide statewide tax breaks for any business that facilitates an international shipment.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ellie Coatar.

Intro:	Missouri Senators have approved a measure that they say could make Lambert aiport a hub for imports and exports.
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Wrap: Missouri lawmakers are attempting to make the St. Louis airport a shipping venue aimed at attracting businesses from overseas, or a "China "Hub."

Republican Senator Eric Schmitt from St. Louis County is sponsoring the bill and he says it is vital for the St. Louis economy.

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Description: "If you look to economic activity that we don't have, this is really important for us. And I think when you have air exports doubling in the next 10 years and 40 percent of all global trade flies now, the value of it right now we don't have any of that."

Opponents of the bill say increasing tax credits takes money out of an already strapped state budget. Legislators have been working on this contentious issue for several years.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Ellie Coatar

Intro:	The Missouri Senate has given approval to a bill that would make Lambert St. Louis a "China Hub"
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Wrap: Missouri lawmakers are attempting to make the St. Louis airport an international trade hub, and the sponsoring senator says this is vital to the city's economy.

Republican Eric Schmitt's bill has been slashed to 60 million dollars for tax credits to be shared by all of Missouri's businesses that ship internationally. With an added 13 amendments, it will now make its way to the House.

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Description: "Part of the process and the importance of getting this thing done is that I do think it allows us to move forward and not in ominous way all the time."

Missouri legislators went into special session in 2011 over "China Hub" debates, spending an entire summer working towards a solution that was never reached.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Ellie Coatar.