Parson backs tax breaks for Missouri stores ordered closed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says businesses forced to temporarily shut down because of local COVID-19 mandates should get tax breaks.

Parson on Thursday told Missouri Press Association members and reporters that restaurants and other businesses shouldn't have to pay property taxes for times when they were ordered closed because of the pandemic.

A Senate committee last week debated a tax credit bill that would make up for property taxes owed for periods when businesses are forced closed.