Senator McCaskill is hosting a series of economic development and grant training workshops throughout the state.

Nearly 500 people turned out in Columbia Thursday to learn how to take advantage of the numerous federal grant and loan programs. Representatives from USDA, Rural Development, Small Business Administration and many others were on hand to show people how to take advantage of federal dollars.

Sen. McCaskill

Sen. McCaskill talks to some 500 people attending a federal grant workshop she hosted in Columbia, Mo.

Senator McCaskill wants to reprioritize Washington’s spending habits with public tax dollars, and she says one way to do that is to put an end to earmarks and make funding available through competitive grants.

She also talked about the stimulus package, saying it’s all about job creation, competitive funding and tax cuts.

The agencies on hand at the workshop say as the economy dips, they’re seeing interest rise in federal grant and loan programs. 

Visit McCaskill’s Web site on federal grants for more information .

Jessica Machetta reports [Download/listen MP3]