The 2009 session of the General Assembly is drawing to a close and the huge economic development bill, which includes an expansion of the Quality Jobs program, remains in limbo. But Governor Jay Nixon (D-MO) remains optimistic the bill will clear the Legislature.

"I’m very optimistic," said Nixon. "I think we’ve had good, productive discussions this week. I met with the House and Senate leadership and with the key players on this bill and I think everyone’s committed to getting Missourians back to work. I am optimistic that we’re going to be able to strike a deal which gets us the expansion of Quality Jobs that we need."

The legislation cleared the Missouri House in February, but has stalled in the State Senate with filibustering over tax credits. But Nixon feels a deal will be struck.

"We’ve been meeting with some folks that have had some challenges on it," said the Governor. "I really do feel like we’ve turned the corner and within the next week or ten days we should get something done."

The legislative session ends Friday, May 15th.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh interviews Governor Jay Nixon (1:30 MP3)