As reported by the Political Fix this morning, Peter hosted a bloggers conference call today to discuss his position on House Bill 2250, legislation to create a state sales tax holiday beginning on June 27 and ending at midnight on June 29.

Last week, Peter issued a press release on the bill (download via PDF) where he said:

“In a few months, the IRS will be sending federal income tax rebate checks to more than 130 million families in the United States. Missourians will have a choice where they will spend their tax rebate. I believe we should create an incentive for Missouri residents to spend their rebate in their local communities. I want to ensure these rebate checks are tax free, giving Missourians the full amount to spend on goods and services for their families.”

Joining us on the call were Jason Rosenbaum of the CDT, Missouri Pulse, and PubDef.net. (Note: I’ll update this post with their posts if relevant.)

On the call, Peter made the following points urging prompt passage of the bill:

• The proposed tax holiday will be a one time event, separate from Missouri’s annual tax holiday occurring the first weekend in August.

• This sales tax holiday was built around Congress’ Economic Stimulus package, sending non-taxable rebate checks in amounts ranging from $600 to $1200.

• Retail items with a sales price of $600 or less would be exempt from all state and local sales tax.

• We should create an incentive for Missouri residents to spend their rebate in their local communities.

• The bill also establishes the Show-Me Green Tax Holiday Act which authorizes a state sales tax exemption on the purchase of Energy Star rated, energy efficient appliances purchased during a seven-day period each November.

• The bill has been referred to the House Rules Committee for review.

UPDATE 11:21 AM: The St. Joseph News-Press has an excellent editorial urging passage of the sales tax holiday. [h/t Combest]

UPDATE 11:45 AM: Danielle Belton has a thorough post up at PubDef on the issue.

UPDATE 5:09 PM: Jason Rosenbaum weighs in.