Governor Blunt touts strong job growth numbers, but says a key economic development tool needs to be enhanced to lure more jobs to the state. Governor Blunt claims at least partial credit for the creation of 80,000 jobs the past two years. Blunt cautions, though, that the State Economic Development Department depleted the $12 million dollar cap on the Missouri Quality Jobs Program by mid year. He wants the caps lifted. Economic Development Director Greg Steinhoff says Missouri faces the loss of manufacturing jobs and must act to replace them. He says the tax credits can help Missouri lure high-tech jobs. The House has approved HCS HB 327 that would eliminate the economic tax credit cap entirely. Blunt has proposed on doubling it in the budget he has submitted to the legislature.
