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KEEPING YOU CONNECTED:
THE CHAMBER & CVB

Thursday, May 15, 2025

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Last Friday, lawmakers sent the nearly $53 billion state budget to Governor Kehoe, but without one component. HB 19, a $517 million capital improvements bill funding 86 projects across the state, was never brought to the floor by House Budget Chair Dirk Deaton (R-Noel). The decision effectively killed the bill, surprising lawmakers in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle, as well as communities counting on those investments.

The House added an amendment to SB 80 (Gregory, R-Marshall) that would create a stadium funding plan to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri. The Senate debated the measure for several hours Tuesday.

SB 80 also includes language to extend the Missouri Amateur Sports Tax Credit, which is set to expire this August without legislative action. We have supported this tax credit throughout the session, as it helps attract major youth tournaments such as the Ken Griffey Jr. and Nolan Ryan World Series.

The Senate took up HJR 73 Wednesday, the resolution to send the abortion issue back to voters. Following several hours of debate, Senate Republicans called for “Previous Question” to cutoff debate and force a vote. It passed 21-11.

HB 567, the bill to repeal the minimum wage increase/decrease schedule and paid sick leave passed by voters in Prop A last year, was taken up next. It passed 22-11.

The Senate then adjourned through the end of session. The House is scheduled to convene Thursday morning

Additional Bills Sent To The Governor

  • SB 1 (Crawford, R-Buffalo) is related to county officials. Passed May 1. Signed by the Governor May 13.
  • SB 43 (Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit) is an omnibus bill that modifies provisions related to vulnerable persons.
  • SB 63 (Brown, R-Washington will allow students in nontraditional education settings (homeschool, etc.) to participate in certain activities with a school district or charter school.
  • SB 68 (Henderson, R-Desloge) is an omnibus bill that creates, modifies, and repeals provisions related to secondary and elementary education. It includes requiring school districts to create a policy banning cell phone usage during the school day.
  • SB 160 (Hudson, R-33) establishes provisions relating to educational institutions.
  • SB 218 (Black, R-Chillicothe) is an omnibus bill related to court operations.
  • SB 348 (Fitzwater) is a naming bill. Branson Representative Brian Seitz successfully added his bill naming Branson as the “Live Entertainment Capital of Missouri” to SB 348!

Join Us For Brew Crew

Last chance to register for Brew Crew tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM - Here at the Branson Chamber.  See you then!
 
Sign Up Here

COMMUNITY NEWS

Elevate Branson: A Glimpse Into a Future with Safe, Clean, and Affordable Housing 

Elevate Community, set to be one of the largest, permanent, tiny home developments in the country, is hosting a public Dedication Celebration, May 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Adjacent to Elevate Branson at 310 Gretna Road, attendees can tour a completed tiny home, walk the construction site, and see firsthand the thoughtful planning going into this innovative community.

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Rally Point Branson: Vacation Like A Vet

This Memorial Day Weekend, from May 23 to May 26, 2025, Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families will gather in Branson for an event unlike any other. Rally Point Branson is a high-energy, patriotic experience designed to honor those who served, strengthen bonds within the Veteran community, and create lasting memories with family and friends. With live entertainment, competitions, exclusive experiences, and meaningful opportunities to engage with Veteran-focused resources, Rally Point Branson is more than an event—it is a movement to establish Branson as the Most Patriotic City in America by 2026.

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Over $329M In Scholarships Offered To BHS Senior Class

For the second consecutive year, Branson High School has partnered with VU Scholarships, a Kansas City-based organization, to expand scholarship access for students and offer more opportunities to graduating seniors. To read the full press release, visit:
 

America Is Celebrating a Big Anniversary Next Year: 250!

Built on the foundational values of Faith, Family and Flag, Branson, Missouri has long supported Veterans, Active-Duty military and their families with annual events, parades and tributes throughout the city. In 2026, Branson will add even more celebrations, earning the title of America's Most Patriotic Destination! Make plans to celebrate in Branson in 2026 and keep up with what we're doing on our website.

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Sports Tourism: American Cornhole Branson Major

Don't miss the all-ages ACO Branson Major + Pro Series 2025 cornhole tournament, May 29th-31st at 200 S Sycamore St, Branson, MO. Witness top players compete in thrilling matches for cornhole supremacy, with exciting eliminations and unexpected moments. Enjoy the vibrant Branson atmosphere, local food, entertainment, and cornhole camaraderie. From seasoned pros to newcomers, experience intense competition and fun. Mark your calendars!
 

NEW MEMBERS

Born United
300 Tanger Blvd., Suite 525
Branson, MO 65616
480-819-4790

Renu Beauty and Botox
800 State Hwy 248, Suite D
Branson, MO 65616
417-213-0398

RENEWED MEMBERS

Ayres Sign Company
B.A.T. Boys (Brake Auto & Tire)
CORE Communities of Recovery, Inc.
Crazy Craig's Treehouse
Fire Star Parks
Hope Counseling Center
KODE/KSN Television
KPM CPAs & Advisors
Library Center of the Ozarks
McDowell Consulting
Mercy Clinic - Branson Cancer & Hematology
Mercy Multi-Specialty Clinic Branson
Off The Wall Indoor Advertising
Platos Cave Apartments
Vacations Made Easy
Village at Indian Point Resort

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Medical Insurance Resources and
Elite Health Insurance Solutions

May 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
3044 Shepherd of the Hills Exp.
Branson, MO 65616

Dinosaur Canyon Golf Resort
May 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
2501 Green Mtn. Dr.
Branson, MO 65616

Adventure Seekers
May 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
3115 W. 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616

Born United
May 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM
300 Tanger Blvd., #525
Branson, MO 65616

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