A jobs creation bill is on a fast track at the Capitol.
Governor Nixon , a Democrat, wants a major jobs creation bill on his desk before the legislature takes spring break at mid-March. The House has acted quickly to approve a bill and send it to the Senate.
Nixon deflects a question about how many jobs the bill might actually create. He says it will make the state competitive in the difficult field of economic development, but that it’s difficult to quantify its actual effect. House Speaker Ron Richard (R-Joplin) made the same point during a meeting with reporters after the bill passed the House. Richard said the bill might be most effective in setting the stage for Missouri to take advantage once the economic rebound begins.
A main feature of the bill is the expansion of the Quality Jobs program and Nixon says that provides an example of what the bill can produce. Quality Jobs helped a business expand in St. Joseph, adding 124 jobs.
Nixon says the state won’t just throw money at the bad economy and will be accountable for the money it spends to stimulate the economy.
As for Nixon’s deadline, Senate Leader Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph) says the Senate is prepared to move the HB191 through the Senate process quickly, so the measure can begin making a difference.
The bill will soon be assigned to a Senate committee prior to coming to the Senate for debate.
Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 MP3)
