The state’s effort to convince Boeing to build its new airliner here might run into delays from lawmakers who are miffed because some of their favorite issues are not part of a call for a special legislative session.
Some Republicans are grumbling that the special session amounts to the government picking winners and losers—Boeing being the winner in this case, and all of the people Republicans want to give tax cuts to being losers becuae that issue is not included in the call.
Senate leader Tom Dempsey has heard some of his members complain the Boeing incentives amount to corporate welfare. But he says they’re a fact of economic development life.
                                  AUDIO: Schmitt :20Â
Senate Democratic leader Jolie Justus says some of her caucus members are upset because a special session will be held to give tax breaks to Boeing but one won’t be held on a favorite Democratic issue that will generate far more jobs–Medicaid expansion. .
                                  AUDIO: Justus :30
She admits Medicaid expansion would have no chance of passing in the Republican-controlled legislature.
The legislature can only consider issues the governor recommends–and tax cuts, tax credit reform, and medicaid expansion will have to wait until the regular session next month.
Nixon has met with the Republican caucuses in both chambers. Leaders of both say they want more information about his recommended actions. Nixon says he’s limited by a confidentiality agreement states have had to sign with Boeing.
A Senate committee will hold a hearing on the proposal late this afternoon. A House committee will hear testimony this evening. Debate is to start tomorrow morning in the Senate.
