The Missouri General Assembly returned to Jefferson City Tuesday. House Budget Chair Cody Smith has put the Governor’s requested $859 million back in for I-70. The House is expected to pass the remaining budget bill next week and send to the Senate for their consideration. The deadline to deliver the budget to Governor Parson is May 5.

Physical Therapy – Senator Eslinger’s (Dist. 33, Wasola) SB 51 was delivered Governor Parson’s office today. The legislation will allow people to see a physical therapist without a referral from a physician or a prescription. Truly Agreed and Finally Passed.

Child Support – SB 35(May, Dist. 4, St. Louis) modifies provisions relating to the suspension of licenses for failure to comply with child support order. Passed Senate.

Investment in Rural Business – SB 92 (Hoskins, Dist. 21, Warrensburg) establishes the “Missouri Rural Access to Capital Act", which provides a tax credit for certain investments made in businesses located in rural areas in this state. The bill also creates a tax credit for the sale of higher ethanol blend fuel and biodiesel fuel and for the production of biodiesel fuel. Passed Senate.

Home School/FLEX School – SB 411 (Brown, Dist. 26, Washington) establishes provisions relating to the participation of elementary and secondary students in nontraditional settings. Passed Senate.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) has posted final guidelines for its Entertainment Industry Grant Program. The program is funded via the State of Missouri’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This program will invest $5 million to further statewide recovery of the entertainment industry from the negative economic impact of COVID-19 by helping existing venues that plan to expand, upgrade, or improve operations.

Applications are set to open April 27 at 10 a.m. CST. Complete information is also available on DED's ARPA tourism webpage.

On April 18, DED will host a Town Hall and Application Workshop for the Entertainment Industry Grant Program. Registration is now open.

APRIL MORNING BREW CREW IS TOMORROW

Rise and shine with Branson Bean Coffee Roasterie! This month's Brew Crew is sponsored by local business owners Steve and Shelly Lane. They offer a wide variety of roasts and will be sharing some with us April 14, 8:30-9:30 am. Brew Crew events are a way for the community to connect in a convenient location while showcasing a local business's unique brews. To RSVP, click the link below!

Friday, April 14 | 8:30-9:30 am

Branson Chamber and CVB

4100 Gretna Road

Branson, MO 65616

BRANSON/TRI-LAKES AREA TRAILS SUMMIT

Join us for the Branson/Tri-Lakes Area Trails Summit Wednesday, April 26 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. The purpose of this event is to share current and planned trail systems in the Tri-Lakes Area, hear from trail advocacy groups and event stakeholders, and learn how communities develop connected multi-use trail systems to benefit residents and visitors. To RSVP for this event, click the link below!

Wednesday, April 26 | 1:30-4:00 pm

Branson Chamber and CVB

4100 Gretna Road

Branson, MO 65616

COMMUNITY MARKETING PRESENTATION RECAP

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2023 Community Marketing Presentation last week. Thank you to Miles Partnership, H2R Market Research, Madden Media, Proof Advertising, and VALIDATE Films for presenting to community stakeholders on our current creative campaigns and marketing initiatives. We would also like to thank Parlor Doughnuts for the coffee and sweet treats. Click the link below to view presentation decks from each of the agency partners.

VOTE FOR SILVER DOLLAR CITY ON USA TODAY

USA Today is running a poll now for the 10 Best Theme Parks in the USA. Silver Dollar City is in the running. These USA Today polls are extremely important to travelers across the USA and are proven to drive incremental visitors to the surrounding communities, hotels, retail, shows, and attractions, gas stations, and more. Each individual can vote daily on every device through April 24 at 11:00 am CST.