Business Archives - Page 3 of 187

Another temporary extension delays Missouri CAFO bill from becoming law

August 28, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

Photo courtesy of Missouri State Fair

Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green has extended an order blocking a controversial agriculture law from taking effect until he rules on the case during a hearing next month. The measure would prevent counties from having tougher regulations than the state for CAFOs – large farms that raise hogs, poultry and cattle.

Supporters of the measure say it would help to ensure uniform state regulations. Opponents of the bill say emissions from CAFOs can pose health risks for neighbors.

Green plans to rule on September 16.

More than 2,300 applicants aim for 250 positions at rural Missouri steel plant (AUDIO)

August 28, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

SEDALIA, Mo.- About 500 construction workers are building a massive $400 million steel plant in west-central Missouri’s Sedalia. The plant, which is being built near Highway 65, will be the anchor tenant of Sedalia’s new rail industrial park.

About 500 construction workers are building the $400 million Nucor steel plant in Sedalia (August 2019 photo courtesy of Charlotte-based Nucor)

State Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Rob Dixon says the Nucor plant is expected to open in November.

“If you’re coming into Sedalia from the north (on Highway 65), you’ll see it coming out of the ground. There’s cranes up, there’s construction underway, there’s people being hired,” Dixon says.

The steel rebar manufacturing plant is one of the largest projects Missouri has landed in the past decade.

Sedalia-Pettis County economic development executive director Jessica Craig tells Missourinet about 2,300 people have applied for 250 jobs, primarily steelworker positions. She says 153 employees have already been hired.

The average salary for a Nucor steelworker is about $65,000.

State Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Rob Dixon tells Missourinet training is underway.

“We’re working with State Fair Community College, the state Department of Economic Development and Nucor to try to get some folks trained and ready to go on day one,” says Dixon.

Charlotte-based Nucor has been training the new Sedalia steelworkers at their plants in Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.

Dixon emphasizes that Nucor is still hiring. He says applicants can visit nucor.com or the DED website.

Jessica Craig says some of the steelworkers who’ve been hired in Sedalia are driving from as far away as Columbia and Kansas City. She also tells Missourinet about 50 of the new employees are Nucor transfers from other plants, moving to the Sedalia area.

She says Nucor’s decision is a game changer for Sedalia, which has about 70 other manufacturers. Craig says the project will be “transformative” for Sedalia.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R) and U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville, announced in February that the U.S. Department of Transportation had awarded Sedalia a $10 million grant to extend its existing railroad tracks to the new Sedalia rail industrial park.

Senator Blunt says the facility is on track to become the largest, exclusive rail-served industrial park in the Midwest.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon, which was recorded on August 15, 2019 at the State Fair in Sedalia:

Missouri county delays vote about CAFO bill

August 27, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

Moniteau County’s health board has voted to put off any action on regulating concentrated animal feeding operations – known as CAFOs – until a lawsuit is over with. During Monday’s speedy meeting in mid-Missouri’s California, Board Chairman James Canter says members will be able to make a better-informed decision once the outcome of the suit is known.

Cattle (photo courtesy; Aubrey Fletcher via Missouri Department of Agriculture)

Cole County Judge Patricia Joyce has temporarily blocked Senate Bill 391 from taking effect tomorrow. The measure would prohibit counties from passing health ordinances stricter than state laws governing CAFOs.

Two county boards (Cooper and Cedar), two property owners and the nonprofit Friends of Responsible Agriculture requested the stay in the lawsuit. The suit lists Gov. Mike Parson and farm groups that worked for passage the law which plaintiffs argue is unconstitutional.

At the Missouri State Fair this month, Missouri Farm Bureau state legislative director B.J. Tanksley says the organization supports the law and says attempts to stop it through lawsuits would be complicated.

“I think everybody will look at different remedies in this case – people from both sides of this issue. But I think a lawsuit is a very complicated issue,” says Tanksley. “Who would have standing? Who would be harmed by this law?”

A court hearing on the lawsuit is set for September 19.

Hawley does not foresee tariff standoff with China ending anytime soon

August 27, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley says America must “hold China’s feet to the fire” to get a fair trade deal. Hawley, a Republican and strong ally of President Donald Trump, says he does not anticipate an end approaching to the trade standoff.

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley (left) speaks with President Donald Trump on March 14, 2018, after Air Force One lands at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (file photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI)

“We have got to insist now that we get a good deal that we can enforce for the future,” Hawley tells Missourinet affiliate KWPM in West Plains. “In the meantime, we’ve got to work to open up other markets on terms that are good for us and for our farmers around the world.”

During a visit to southern Missouri’s West Plains, the Republican and strong ally of President Trump, says he has heard from farmers across the state about how they are being impacted by Chinese tariffs.

“Our farmers have been a focus of retaliation by China which is just another bad thing that China has done,” Hawley says. “They’ve been ripping us off for years. They won’t give us a fair trade deal. What the president tells me is that they will not agree to any enforcement mechanism in the deal. We’ve got to insist on a deal that opens up their market and the entire region to our producers, that includes our farmers and manufacturers, on terms that are enforceable. If we don’t do that now, my fear is that China will eventually shut us out of the whole region.”

Missouri Republican Congressman Billy Long – another strong Trump ally – says he thinks it’s time to bring the trade battle to a close. Long, from southwest Missouri’s Springfield, says he’s given the president the benefit of the doubt on the issue and so have farmers.

Trump says China has called the U.S. twice since his threat Friday to boost tariffs on Chinese products and says he thinks there’s going to be a deal. China has denied calling.

What you need to know about Missouri’s new ‘Fast Track’ workforce grant program

August 26, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

The state’s new financial aid program is up and running. Fast Track is designed to address Missouri’s workforce needs by covering the full cost of schooling for adults pursuing a certificate, bachelor’s degree or an industry-recognized credential in a high demand field.

What you need to know about Missouri’s new ‘Fast Track’ workforce grant program

Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade tells Missourinet the new program aims to get more adults to participate in the state’s workforce in a more dynamic way.

“It’s going to allow us to assist a population that we’ve recognized as one that we need to really pay more attention to, but we haven’t had the mechanism to do that,” he says.

Fast Track has been a priority for Gov. Mike Parson, who has made workforce development a focus of his administration. During legislative debate in May about the program, Parson and Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said Fast Track was also a top priority for General Motors to get a possible $1 billion expansion at its plant in eastern Missouri’s Wentzville. During Fast Track’s rollout on Friday in southern Missouri’s West Plains, he said the program is the first step in growing and improving Missouri’s workforce.

Some of the key requirements include a maximum household adjusted gross income of $80,000 per year if filing taxes jointly or $40,000 annually for a single income household. Those awarded a grant must work in Missouri for three calendar years or the grant would convert to an interest-bearing loan the student would have to repay.

“The idea is that, if the state is going to step in and help financially for you to complete this workforce-related program, then you kind of have an obligation to be a part of the Missouri workforce at least for that three year period,” Wade says.

Wade says Fast Track is primarily for adults 25 years or older, but there are provisions for those younger than 25 to access the program if they have been out of education for at least two years.

Unlike many financial aid programs, part-time students could be eligible for Fast Track if they are enrolled in at least six credit hours.

Wade says the program’s initial rollout has a primary focus.

“We’re kind of taking a tiered approach, I guess I would say. It is primarily focused on programs that are STEM or STEM related,” he says. “When I talk about STEM, that’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In addition, because teacher education serves such a foundational purpose in education, even in those STEM areas, a number of teacher education programs are also eligible. A number of the allied health fields are included – nursing and things related to that are a part of it, teacher education, agriculture, engineering, engineering technology, some of the skilled trades. As the program matures, probably later this year or early next year, we’ll begin to add some additional program areas.”

Wade says several Missouri colleges and universities are participating in Fast Track.

“It will only include public institutions. So any public community college, any of our public four-year institutions, public vocational technical schools will all be eligible in this initial rollout. Our hope is, and the way the statute is structured, that in the future, we will include all of the institutions that are included in our state aid programs,” says Wade.

Fast Track launched around the first week of August. Three or so weeks in, Wade says the state already has received about 150 applications. The state plans to begin awarding the grants in October.

“The general intent of the program is that we would cover any gap in a student’s tuition and fee bill that is not covered by other financial aid,” Wade says. “So, the amount that an individual student will receive will vary, depending on what other financial aid they’re eligible for and how well that covers their tuition and fee costs. In addition, for any students, and in some instances this is going to occur, where other financial aid covers their full tuition and fee amount, they will be eligible for an award anyway, up to $500 to help cover other kinds of costs. In a number of these programs, tool costs, for example, can run very high. Books and supplies and those kinds of things can really be a cost barrier for individuals.”

The grants are distributed each academic year. So, students interested in getting grants each year they are in school would have to apply annually.

“The actual payment will go directly to the institution and then they will apply that to the student’s account. It’s not like we’re going to send a check directly to a student,” says Wade.

The Missouri Legislature has budgeted $10 million in funding for the program this first year. Once the funding is gone, no more grants will be awarded in 2019.

“As with all financial aid programs, it’s subject to appropriation. We don’t have an unlimited amount of money,” he says.

For more information about the program, click here.

Hartzler disappointed with Renewable Fuel Standard waivers to big oil companies

August 23, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

West-central Missouri Republican Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler says she’s surprised to learn that President Donald Trump might have directed the EPA’s latest round of RFS waivers to big oil companies. The waivers reduce demand for ethanol and lower the value of corn – a big blow to Missouri’s farming communities.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler

“He has been very supportive of farmers and this is counter to that. So, he certainly got some bad advice if that’s the case. But I’m going to withhold judgment ‘til I hear more information directly from the president,” she says.

Hartzler says she’s very disappointed with the EPA decision.

“You’ve got corn growers right now, many of them weren’t able to even plant their fields and they did not get the Market Facilitation Program (trade bailout) payments that other commodities did get,” Hartzler says. “They just want to sell their product. They have a great product with ethanol and these waivers are only supposed to be granted in LIMITED cases.”

During her Missouri ag tour this week, Hartzler said she would speak to the President about her concerns “if given the opportunity.”

Missouri Gaming Commission: illegal slot machines are impacting funding for education (AUDIO)

August 23, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri Gaming Commission testified Thursday in Jefferson City that the state needs a coordinated effort to stop illegal slot machines.

Missouri House Special Interim Committee on Gaming Chairman Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Imperial, speaks on August 22, 2019 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Gaming Commission Executive Director David Grothaus testified before the House Special Interim Committee on Gaming. The issue of illegal slot machines dominated most of the two-hour hearing.

“We’re trying to coordinate efforts among law enforcement and prosecutors, trying to educate prosecutors on how to prosecute those cases,” Grothaus says.

Illegal slot machines are found in places like bars, restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores. Grothaus tells lawmakers that there’s one pending criminal case in western Missouri’s Platte County, in the Kansas City area.

Grothaus tells lawmakers that the Gaming Commission is providing assistance to law enforcement. He says what the state needs “is a very focused effort” on the illegal slot machines.

Mr. Grothaus testifies that any illegal gaming machines used in Missouri negatively impact casinos and the state Lottery, reducing taxes and funding for education and veterans. That grabbed the attention of committee chairman State Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Imperial.

“These illegal (slot) machines, they’re everywhere,” Shaul tells Grothaus. “And I think it is probably hard to put a number on it, because they continue to grow everyday. I have several of them in my district.”

Shaul says the illegal machines “are everywhere” in the state and in his district in eastern Missouri’s Jefferson County. Chairman Shaul tells Grothaus it’s a problem.

“Because the people are very clear that they want regulated gaming,” says Shaul. “And they want to make sure when they go to take part in these games that they’re fair.”

Shaul tells Missourinet that he doesn’t want to hurt fraternal organizations, emphasizing that he’s a veteran.

Chairman Shaul emphasizes that no decisions have been made by the committee, and he describes the hearing as an “educational process.”

Meantime, a representative from Missouri’s 13 riverboat casinos also testified, urging the Gaming Commission to shut down all of the illegal slot machines in Missouri. That representative is also calling for criminal prosecutions.

The state’s 13 licensed riverboat casinos have a combined total of about 16,000 slot machines, Grothaus testifies.

Grothaus also testifies that the Gaming Commission has a memorandum of understanding with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He says state troopers are stationed on the 13 casinos, and perform duties such as regulatory investigations.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with House Special Interim Committee on Gaming Chairman Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Imperial, which was recorded on August 22, 2019 at the Statehouse in Jefferson City:

Missouri Congressman says Mississippi River model for flood control

August 22, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

Southeast Missouri Congressman Jason Smith says the Missouri River needs the infrastructure that the Mississippi River has to prevent severe flooding. Smith’s district includes more than 200 miles of the Mississippi River which he says was at flood stage for 150 days this year, between Cape Girardeau and Cairo, without activation of the levees.

Congressman Jason Smith (Photo courtesy of Brownfield Ag News)

“You look at the effects of the flooding that we had south of Cape Girardeau and it could have been SO much worse than it was but it was because of the infrastructure that was brought forward through the MRT project, the Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries project,” says Smith.

That project was authorized by the flood control act of 1928 after devastating flooding in 1927. Smith says Missouri’s Bootheel showed the country how to manage a river.

“We drained our swamps. And those seen Bootheel Counties, after we drained them, now produce more than a third of all the ag commodities of this entire state,” he says.

Smith, a Republican, says fixing the Missouri River will benefit Missouri farmers.

“If we have that on the MISSOURI River, you can see a phenomenal step in our navigation, in getting our richest commodities from Missouri to feed the world. And, to help our farmers, help our commodity prices,” he says.

Smith says the Missouri Congressional delegation will work to make sure the Missouri River management is about flood control, not about environmentalism. Gov. Mike Parson continues to meet alongside his fellow governors in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska with the Corps of Engineers officials with that very goal.

Smith made his comments at the Missouri Farm Bureau Building at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.

Lawmaker says World Cup would put Kansas City and Missouri on world stage (AUDIO)

August 22, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

A state lawmaker from Kansas City says landing the World Cup in 2026 would provide a huge economic boost for Kansas City and for Missouri.

State Rep. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, speaks on the Missouri House floor on May 14, 2019 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The “Kansas City Star” notes Kansas City is one of 17 finalist U.S. cities to host 2026 World Cup matches.

State Rep. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, tells Missourinet that landing a World Cup would mean four to six games in Kansas City, which would involve four to six nations.

“If you think about the Super Bowl, which is the most-watched sporting event in the United States, there’s something like 150-million people that watch the Super Bowl,” Razer says. “There’s something to the effect of 3.5 billion who follow the World Cup.”

Razer says that would be a “lot of eyeballs and visitors,” adding it would put Kansas City and Missouri on the world stage.

“And then you get those four games, you get those four fan bases coming in from these countries from all over the world, it would be a huge economic boost initially plus putting Kansas City and the state of Missouri on the world stage,” says Razer.

He notes the impact on tourism and hotels as well. He’s praising the governors of Missouri and Kansas for ending the economic “border war,” and says both states and municipalities on both sides of the state line must work together on the World Cup.

The “Star” reports if Kansas City is awarded games, they would be played at Arrowhead Stadium.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with State Rep. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, which was recorded on August 9, 2019:

Missouri governor calls special session on car sales; Quade blasts decision

August 21, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri lawmakers will return to Jefferson City in September for a special session involving a complicated Missouri Supreme Court ruling about vehicle sales.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson briefs reporters at the State Fair in Sedalia on August 15, 2019 (Brian Hauswirth photo)

Governor Mike Parson (R) announced the special session today. Parson told Missourinet on Thursday at the State Fair that he was considering the special session over the Supreme Court’s “Kehlenbrink vs. Department of Revenue” case.

“After reviewing the court’s decision, we’ve decided to call a special session because it’s simply the right thing to do for the people of our state,” Parson announced today. “The enforcement of this decision would create a financial burden on Missouri taxpayers and unnecessary government red tape that we can proactively prevent.”

The Supreme Court case involves using the sale proceeds of a vehicle as a credit against the purchase price of a new vehicle when calculating sales tax. Essentially, the Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that state law unambiguously permits the sale proceeds of only one vehicle as a credit against the purchase price of a new car, for the purposes of calculating sales tax.

“And really, the simple version of it (the Supreme Court’s ruling) is when you trade cars in, for example if you trade two cars in, you get a credit back on those two cars or for that model if you’re buying another one. There was a ruling by the Supreme Court that says you can only do one,” Parson told Missourinet Thursday at the State Fair in Sedalia.

Parson said at the fair that the issue “needs to be fixed.” The governor says the ruling impacts about 2,000 to 3,000 Missourians, adding this is money out of their pocket.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, has issued a statement, saying Governor Parson is “putting taxpayers on the hook for unnecessary special session.”

“Roughly 100,000 Missouri children have lost their state health care coverage, but the Parson administration says there’s no problem. Missouri’s irresponsible and weak gun laws have contributed to a sharp spike in gun violence and recently enabled a heavily-armed man to cause a panic at a Springfield Wal-Mart, yet Governor Parson does nothing. There are several issues that demand immediate legislative attention and would justify the cost of a special session. Creating an unnecessary tax break for a handful of people isn’t one of them,” Quade’s statement says.

Governor Parson told Missourinet on Thursday that the special session would be technical, adding that “it would be a very limited special session.” The governor’s comments at the fair indicated that issues like Medicaid and guns were off-the-table for a special session.

Under the governor’s call, lawmakers will return to Jefferson City on September 9. The special session will run concurrently with the veto session, which begins on September 11.

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