Leaders from state government, education, and industries tied to the life sciences field have met to discuss the future of what they believe could help grow Missouri’s life sciences industry. The Holden Administration is introducing legislation that would divide the state into 12 different life sciences regions. Jim Foley with the Department of Economic Development says each region could come up with its own tax increment financing to promote the industry. And, that would keep the Legislature from having to pony up more money in these cash-strapped times. But, University of Missouri Chancellor Richard Wallace would rather see the state put together aunified effort to make all of Missouri’s schools magnets for life sciences. Officials admit the plan might need tweaking and it could get some as it works its way throughthe Legislature.
