The Senate Job Creation 2020 Committee is one of three panels set up by Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields (R-St. Joseph), each with a different theme: Job creation, health care, and education.

Senator Tom Dempsey (R-St. Peters) chairs the Job Creation 2020 Committee, hoping to come up with some ideas that will improve job creation efforts in the state as we head to the year 2020.

"There are a number of factors that lead to creating an environment which ultimately leads to job creation," said Dempsey in an interview with the Missourinet. "What we’re trying to do is look at the issue, develop a vision statement, and strategically plan to identify goals and measure progress for the State of Missouri."

Two meetings have been held, so far, with an organization gathering in Jefferson City followed by a hearing, last week, in Kansas City. Two more hearings are scheduled – one later this month in St. Louis and another in Columbia in November. Dempsey insists input is being collected from various sources.

"I wanted to be clear as I kind of thought about the process that it was an open process, that certainly the views of others, the input of others – including other Senators – was included," said Dempsey. "I wanted to be clear I was not trying to lead people in a direction where I already have the conclusion and I want to work back from that."

Dempsey and the panel are collecting ideas on such things as workforce development, tax policy, and targeted incentives.

Said the Senator: "We’re looking at this from 30,000 feet or at a very broad level, then through the meetings of talking to people and asking them, ‘What factors do you believe are important? What role do you think the state needs to play?’"

Plans call for the committee to meet in December to develop a vision statement to craft a strategic plan that will lead to legislation and the specific policy decisions that need to be made.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)