Missouri’s state numbers crunchers are painting a rosy picture of the state’s economy. Economic Development Director Kelvin Simmons says the good economic news we’ve been hearing of late is continuing. According to Simmons economic growth is expanding, unemployment is steadily declining, personal income is rising, and the manufacturing sector is improving. Simmons says it’s difficult to point to one reason for this on-going improvement. But he does point to several factors that contribute to it: the low cost of living, the quality of life, education and training opportunities, Missouri’s status as a low-tax and low-cost state, low electricity rates, and Missouri’s committment to life sciences projects. Simmons cautions that while this news is positive, now is not a time for Missouri to rest on its laurels. He says the state must continue to pursue policies and initiatives that will continue to spur economic growth.
