Sebelius: Help for Greensburg’s businesses is on the way
Measure designed to help recovery of community’s economy

GREENSBURG, Kan. – Assistance for businesses destroyed in the Greensburg tornado is on the way.  That’s the message delivered by Governor Kathleen Sebelius and legislative leaders of both parties today.

During a ceremony at the Southern Plains Cooperative, Sebelius signed a bill providing relief for local businesses as they strive to rebuild.  She was in Greensburg to meet with local officials to discuss the rebuilding efforts.

“The future of Greensburg depends on whether people there will have places to work and earn a living.  The message we’re delivering today is that we are determined to do whatever we can to help local businesses get up and running.  We want to eliminate any barriers and provide extra incentives for businesses to remain here,” said Sebelius.

The bill signed by Sebelius was passed during the Legislature’s normally ceremonial last day of session.  The Governor thanked House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, Senate President Steve Morris and Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley for working together to pass the relief bill.

The bill, Senate Substitute for HB 2540, creates a $5 million Business Restoration Assistance Program for businesses in Kiowa County damaged by the May 4 storm.  Qualifying businesses will be eligible for payments of up to 10 percent of the investment made by June 30, 2008 to rebuild and up to $3,500 for each full-time employee rehired by that date.

The relief bill also includes a sales tax exemption for items and services purchased to construct, reconstruct, enlarge or remodel a business facility (including agricultural fencing) within Kiowa County damaged by the May 4 storm.  Project exemption certificates will be issued to qualifying businesses applying before June 30, 2008 for use in making tax-exempt purchases for such purposes.

Additionally, the State Finance Council is allowed to extend the Governor’s Disaster Declaration for Kiowa County past October 31, 2007, until January 14, 2008, if necessary.  It is also allowed to authorize the transfer of $25 million from the State Emergency Fund for relief efforts.  The previous limit was $10 million.

This bill is the 201st bill signed by Sebelius during the now-concluded 2007 Legislative Session.  She vetoed four bills and four budget items.

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