With unemployment one point below the national average, and down consistently throughout the last year, The Department of Economic Development says progress is being made in creating jobs. Spokesman John Fougere says the department would like to see even lower numbers, but says there are more jobs coming in the next few months. Fougere attributes the consistent decrease in unemployment to a diversified economy in the state.
He says he attributes this to several things. First Missouri added 11 hundred agriculture jobs in the past month. Secondly, Missouri is diversifying its economy – there are two auto manufacturing plants that are adding thousands of jobs to their plants in Claycomo and Wentzville.
He says as plans like the Missouri Science and Information Reinvestment Act, or MOSIRA will hopefully bring more technology jobs from other states.Fougere says the next step the department is taking is to make a set policy on export standards for Missouri goods, coming after the recent trade deals Missouri signed with China.
AUDIO Allison Blood reports. Mp3 [1:02]
