Legislation described as critical to some major economic development projects in Missouri has gotten first round approval in the State Senate. Sponsors say it’s designed to create and keep high-end jobs by requiring certain salary levels and benefits for companies that want the tax incentives to come to Missouri or to grow here. St. Joseph Senator Charlie Shields says Missouri has to be competitive for jobs with Kansas – which has an aggressive incentive program. Another part of the bill is designed to make southwest Missouri more competitive with Oklahoma in attracting service companies. The Senate will send the bill to the House next week.
