Missourinet

Your source for Missouri News and Sports

You are here: Home / Archives for Economy

Closure extended of Missouri River barge, boat traffic

By

The U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers have closed the Missouri River to all boat and barge traffic indefinitely from St. Louis to north of Sioux City, Iowa.

Closure extended of Missouri River barge, boat traffic

Officials say vessel traffic may damage levees, or cause river water to flow over the top of levees. Drifting objects in the high water are also a hazard to boats.

The closure is expected to last for weeks. A higher volume of water is being released in the river from the Gavin’s Point Dam in South Dakota through at least the end of June.

Earlier this week, flooding problems led the U.S. Coast Guard to close barge and boat traffic from St. Louis to Kansas City.

(Reporting by Woody Gottburg, KSCJ, Sioux City)

Missouri requests joint damage assessments for flooding, tornadoes

By

Governor Mike Parson has requested joint preliminary damage assessments with federal, state and local officials for recent flooding, severe storms and tornadoes. Assessments are expected to begin on June 12 across 56 Missouri counties – nearly half of the state’s counties. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, State Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management officials will survey damage that began with severe storms on April 29.

Brunswick flooding (Photos by Spc. Christopher Saunders and Capt. Phil Fountain)

“Since March, nearly every corner of the state has been impacted by historic flooding, destructive tornadoes, and severe storms,” Parson said in a press release. “We’ve closed more than 380 roads, halted barge loading on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, shut down several railroad lines, and hundreds of families have been displaced from their homes – all because Mother Nature has refused to let up this spring. These critical issues place significant strain on our communities, farms, and businesses. We must take quick action to coordinate local, state, and federal resources to ensure Missourians have the tools to recover and rebuild as quickly as possible.”

The governor said assessments for individual assistance, which provides assistance to homeowners and renters who’ve experienced qualifying losses, will be prioritized over public assistance, which assists governments and eligible nonprofit organizations.

Joint damage assessments were requested late Wednesday for the following counties:

Individual assistance: Andrew, Atchison, Barry, Barton, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Dallas, Greene, Grundy, Hickory, Holt, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Pike, Polk, Saline, St. Charles, Stone, Taney, and Webster counties.

Public assistance: Adair, Barry, Barton, Caldwell, Camden, Cedar, Chariton, Clark, Cole, Dade, Dallas, Dunklin, Gentry, Grundy, Hickory, Jasper, Knox, Laclede, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Macon, Marion, Mercer, Miller, Monroe, New Madrid, Nodaway, Ozark, Pulaski, Putnam, Ralls, St. Charles, St. Clair, Schuyler, Scotland, Shannon, Shelby, Stoddard, Sullivan, Taney, and Wright counties.

The teams will jointly document damage to determine the resources needed to help recover from a disaster. The assessments do not include every affected home or business, but those who have experienced flood- and storm-related damage should report it to their local emergency manager. Additional counties are expected to be added to the request for joint assessments as they collect more information about damage locally.

National Flood Insurance Program figures show that from March 1, 2019, through Monday, more than 600 claims have been filed in Missouri for flooding losses. More than $9 million has been paid to 213 property owners. According to Parson’s office, the figure is expected to rise significantly as additional claims are resolved and additional claims are filed.

Individuals with unmet needs and those who would like to assist should contact United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or contact 211 online at http://211helps.org.

On May 20, President Trump approved Parson’s request for a major disaster declaration to help local governments and nonprofit agencies in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Holt, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Platte, Ray, and Ste. Genevieve counties recover from flooding and severe storms that occurred from March 11 to April 16.

The declaration made federal assistance available for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure, along with emergency response costs associated with the storms and flooding. The governor’s April 24 request stated $25 million in qualifying expenses had already been identified.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Blunt: Mexican tariffs would not help trade deal with Mexico and Canada

By

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, says it’s hard to imagine President Trump’s plan to put tariffs on Mexican imports will help advance the U.S. trade agreement with Mexico and Canada (USMCA).

President Donald Trump

“That the same day you lay the USMCA legislative piece down that you announce this tariff on Mexico. But, let’s hope that it works out quickly here,” says Blunt.

There are reports that Republicans have told the White House they plan to push back strongly on Mexican tariffs. Blunt defended Senate Republicans reaction to tariffs from “day one.”

“It’s so universal it doesn’t get much coverage but I don’t think there’s much new here in Republicans in the Senate concerned about tariffs and how you’re negotiating trade policy.”

The Republican says the government of Mexico can be more helpful and says the Guatemalan government has stepped up in the last 10 days.

“And signed some agreements with us about the southern border in Guatemala. We’d like to see the Mexicans more helpful there,” he says.

Blunt says the Guatemalan border is a fraction of the length of the U.S./Mexico border so it’s key to solving the immigration influx.

He also wants Congress to pass emergency funding to care for the average of 362 unaccompanied children coming from the southern border each day.

Blunt made his comments at the weekly Republican leadership press conference in D.C. Tuesday.

By Julie Harker of Brownfield Ag News

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Bootheel town of Kennett losing third major employer in two years

By

Southeast Missouri’s Kennett has lost its third major employer in three years. Missourinet affiliate KBOA in Kennett reports industrial hose manufacturer Parker Hannifin is closing by the end of September – putting 90 full-time workers out of jobs.

Last year, the town of roughly 10,000 lost Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center and 300 jobs. In 2017, semitrailer maker Manac Trailers also closed its doors.

Mayor Chancellor Wayne says there is nothing he could do to change the company’s mind.

“I sat down with them and they discussed their reasons for closing, which was just basically pure business,” Wayne told KBOA Radio.

Economic Development Director Jim Grebing says they have had discussions to see about keeping the closure from happening.

“For now, we’ve had ongoing discussions with the Department of Economic Development and workforce partners around trying to see how to move forward from here,” Grebing said.

Radio station KBOA reports workers were offered severance packages, while others will relocate to other Parker-Hannifin facilities.

The company released this statement to Missourinet this afternoon:

The Hose Products Division of Parker Hannifin announced a plan to close a manufacturing facility located at 1200 Ely St, Kennett, MO 63857. The Kennett manufacturing operations will be transferred to other existing locations in the United States by the end of September 2019, affecting 92 full time employees. The Kennett facility manufactures yarn reinforced rubber hose and will continue its manufacturing and assembly operation until all product lines are operational in their new locations.

This was not an easy decision to make given the impact it has on our team members. This was the only viable option as the demand for the products manufactured at the Kennett facility can no longer support the operating costs.

We are grateful for our team members hard work and dedication and the consolidation in no way reflects their performance. We are committed to easing the transition for all affected team members and we will be offering employment opportunities across Parker, as well as separation packages that include severance pay and outplacement support.

Throughout this transitional period, the Parker Hose Products Division is committed and focused on doing our jobs safely and effectively, while maintaining the high standards for quality and service that our customers expect from us.  

KBOA Radio in Kennett contributed to this report.

Missouri River closed to shipping from St. Louis to Kansas City

By

Flooding has closed traffic indefinitely along the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Louis – putting a big kink in the plans of businesses shipping products down the waterway. During a conference call Monday, Jud Kneuvean with the Kansas City District of the Army Corps of Engineers says the U.S. Coast Guard shut down barge and boat traffic there on Sunday.

Flooding along the Missouri River in northwest Missouri

“It’s closed to all traffic, including recreational traffic,” he says.

The river is closed from river mile marker 0 to 380, according to Kneuvean.

He says some exemptions could be granted through a waiver.

The stretch of river will reopen when conditions improve.

More rainfall is expected in flood-hammered Missouri over the next few days and could cause additional problems with the state’s roads, bridges, waterways, land and structures.

As of Monday, Kneuvean says 43 levees have been broken or overtopped in Missouri. Two of the levees were intentionally breached to prevent further damage. Missouri has more than 300 levees, federal, non-federal and otherwise.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Missouri ag chief with Trump at reveal of trade relief package

By

Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn stood by President Trump with other ag leaders at the White House last Thursday when he announced $16 billion in more trade aid for farmers. Chinn says she’s satisfied with the package.

Missouri ag chief with Trump at reveal of trade relief package

“From everything I heard, I think it’s going to be a lot more inclusive for many commodities,” Chinn tells Brownfield Ag News. “It’s going to be based off of your county numbers and what was raised in your county. So I think it’s going to level that playing field.”

Chinn says she raised the concern about the many farmers, including those in Missouri, who likely won’t be able to plant a crop this year.

“With the passing (in the Senate) of the disaster aid package there were some thoughts that maybe if you do take that prevented plant that you’re going to be able to receive some aid from that disaster aid package as well,” Chinn says.

She says Trump shared his concerns about the flooding in Missouri and the tornadoes in Eldon and Jefferson City Wednesday night.

“When I was talking with the president, he expressed to me that he’s been watching everything that’s happening in Missouri and that he was praying for our citizens and he knew that we were tough and we would rebound just fine.”

Chinn says Trump understands that agriculture is a long game and the ongoing trade battle with China is worth fighting.

By Julie Harker of Brownfield Ag News

What bills did the Missouri Legislature pass this year? See the list of top proposals.

By

The Missouri Legislature’s regular session has come to a close and so has the hustle and bustle over the past five months in Jefferson City. Lawmakers passed 102 pieces of legislation this session and the fate of the proposals lies in the hands of Republican Governor Mike Parson.

Missouri House does the annual toss of the papers to celebrate the end of the 2019 legislative session (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)

Here is a list of the top measures passed this session:

House Bill 192 would reduce the number of offenders being locked up in local jails and state prisons. The proposal would scrap mandatory minimum sentences for some nonviolent crimes and require the Missouri parole board to evaluate those currently serving mandatory minimums to decide if they should be released. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Bruce DeGroot, R-Chesterfield, would block people from getting thrown back in jail for not paying for their previous jail bills.

Senate Bill 391 would ban Missouri counties from enforcing stricter local health regulations than the state for large animal feed lots. Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, sponsored the measure for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, otherwise known as CAFOs. The proposal would bar counties from limiting where CAFOs can be built and adopting tougher environmental regulations.

After shutting down Senate work for 26 hours this week, the Missouri Senate Conservative Caucus budged and let the chamber pass Senate Bill 68 – legislation largely inspired by General Motors. The compromise reached on the incentive package championed by fellow Republican Governor Mike Parson and Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, is meant to woo GM for a potential expansion in Wentzville. The plan would give $50 million in tax credits to automakers that invest at least $750 million in plant improvements. It would also provide tax credits earlier in a business expansion and financial aid for people seeking high demand jobs.

House Bill 126 would ban doctors from giving women abortions if they are eight weeks into their pregnancy. Physicians who violate the ban would face 5 to 15 years in prison. The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon, would also prohibit physicians from providing an abortion if the baby would have Down syndrome and abortions sought because of the sex or race of the child. It does not have exemptions for victims of human trafficking, rape or incest. The measure would also require both parents to be told if a minor child wants an abortion.

On the final day of the session, the House passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, which is designed to pay for the repairs of 215 Missouri bridges. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, lets the Highways and Transportation Commission issue $301 million in bonds and pay the total amount back within seven years. The proposal would use about $50 million in general state revenue annually for seven years with an additional $35 million for a cost-share program for local infrastructure upgrades. The loan will amount to about $22.6 million in interest. Under the plan, the state would only be allowed to issue the bonds if Missouri gets a federal infrastructure grant.

Senate Bill 7 would shut down lawsuits with out-of-state defendants from filing court cases in St. Louis. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, would also add restrictions on plaintiffs who attempt to join together in the same court case.

Senate Bill 1 would expand some nonviolent offenses to a list of possible crimes that could be erased from a person’s criminal record. Sen. Kiki Curls, D-Kansas City, is the sponsor of the legislation that would add property damage, fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, and stealing to the list crimes that could be deleted.

House Bill 499 aims to keep struggling state license offices open. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Aaron Griesheimer, R-Washington, would boost fees by about $2.50 to $3, depending on the type of service. The fee increases would be for vehicle licenses, operators’ licenses and vehicle title transfers, which have not been raised since 1999. The 174 license offices employ about 1,700 Missourians.

Senate Bill 336 would fix a loophole in state law that allows in-home daycare providers to care for four children but watch an unlimited number of relatives. Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, has championed the legislation for 10 years. “Nathan’s Law” would limit the number of children to six with no more than three can be under the age of 2. Violators would face a misdemeanor and potential fines.

The Missouri Legislature has given its stamp of approval to a $29.7 billion state budget for the fiscal year beginning in July. The financial outline includes:

*$50 million in general revenue for a $301 million bond for bridge repairs and another $35 million for a cost-share program with local municipalities to fund road repairs.

*A 3% pay raise for state employees and another 1% salary boost for Department of Corrections workers

*$3.55 billion to fully fund the formula used to finance Missouri’s K-12 public schools – an increase of about $60 million from the current state budget year.

*$108 million to fund K-12 public school bus transportation costs – a $5 million increase from the current fiscal year.

*Core funding increased for all of Missouri’s public universities by $1 million with some, including Missouri State University, receiving as much as a $10 million boost. State Technical College received a $500,000 core increase and $500,000 for deferred maintenance.

*Prevents undocumented immigrants from receiving in-state college tuition

*$5 million for alternatives to jail program for pre-trail electronic ankle bracelets

*$5 million for rural broadband grants

*$8 million in flood recovery aid

*1.5% rate increases to Medicaid providers

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Missouri Senate deadlock is over with deal reached on GM bill

By

Governor Mike Parson and members of his own party have budged – ending a 26-hour protest about an incentive package inspired by General Motors. The compromise reached on the $50 million tax credits plan championed by Parson is meant to woo GM for a potential expansion in Wentzville.

The General Motors plant in Wentzville has about 4,600 employees, according to GM’s website (photo courtesy of GM website)

So what’s the deal? The six-member Senate Conservative Caucus ultimately gave up its fight in exchange for a promise that further abortion regulations would come up for debate next. On the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. Bob Onder said the “protection of human life was leveraged against them”.

“That is inappropriate. Our colleagues were faced with a decision,” he said. “We have been assured the next order of business in this body will be picking up the defense of innocent human life. We will do that. We will protect unborn children capable of feeling pain. We will protect babies with heart beats. We will pass the heartbeat bill.”

Democrats are expected to go to great lengths to shut down Senate work for as long as possible on the measure.

Some members of the Conservative Caucus were not in Parson’s corner about components of the bill he says GM wants, including ones that would provide tax credits earlier in a business expansion and financial aid for people seeking high demand jobs. Sens. Onder and Bill Eigel, who live in Lake St. Louis and Weldon Spring near the Wentzville plant, have argued that GM wants $50 million in tax credits – not the additional measures.

Eigel used a loaf of bread to make his point about compromise.

“You can’t get the full loaf,” he said. “If you expect to get a full loaf in a deal each time, you’re going to end up incredibly disappointed.”

Shortly after Senators voted 25-8 in favor of the proposal, the governor released a statement.

“Today’s final vote is a complete victory for Missourians and jobs in every corner of the state. We are sending a powerful message to the nation that we are ready to compete with every state for more jobs,” said Parson. “From day one, I’ve talked about the importance of workforce development and infrastructure – and thanks to House and Senate Leadership, State Representatives Kathy Swan and Nick Schroer, and State Senator Lincoln Hough, we now have the necessary economic development tools to make an important investment in the skills of Missouri workers. We are now on track to be one of the most pro-growth, pro-jobs administrations in Missouri’s history.”

Tick tock – lawmakers have three days left in the session to pass other bills.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Missouri House approves second GM Wentzville bill; overnight Senate filibuster continues

By

The Missouri House voted Monday afternoon in Jefferson City to approve a second piece of legislation aimed at attracting a $1 billion expansion at the General Motors plant in Wentzville, and one also aimed at ending a Senate filibuster.

State Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon, speaks on the Missouri House floor on May 13, 2019 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The House voted 114-31 to approve legislation from State Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon, which does not include the Fast Track provision. Fast Track is a top priority of Governor Mike Parson (R), which allows Missourians to receive advanced training in high-demand areas.

“We did discuss including a provision in here which would ultimately not allow the tax credits to go into effect if the company fails to retain 90 percent of the amount of employees employed on the date of the execution,” Schroer says.

Removing Fast Track is aimed at attracting support from State Sens. Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis, and Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring. Neither senator want Fast Track attached to the GM bill.

Schroer, who also voted for the first bill on Thursday, tells House Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann, R-O’Fallon, the second bill is aimed at giving the Senate another option.

“You know it’s something that I think, not only your (the Wiemann legislative) district, my district, but I think everybody in the state will benefit if not only GM invests $1 billion, but we have programs out there such as the underlying bill,” says Schroer.

The underlying bill Representative Schroer refers to is sponsored by State Sen. Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau. It would also allow the state Department of Economic Development (DED) to require a qualified business to repay benefits if the business fails to maintain the new or retained jobs, within five years of receiving approval of benefits.

Missouri House Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann addresses House colleagues about GM on May 13, 2019 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Schroer and Pro Tem Wiemann’s revised GM version includes $50 million in tax credits for General Motors.

Schroer says the bill is an incentive package for anyone willing to invest in Missouri.

“Have them come talk to the Department of Economic Development, and I can guarantee you that they’re going to try to work something out. If you’re willing to invest $1 billion in our state, we’ll try to see what we can do to compete against these other states to ensure that’s here in the Show-Me,” Schroer says.

Meantime, a filibuster continues on this Tuesday morning in the Missouri Senate, after the House approved the second version, one that supporters hoped would prevent a filibuster.

Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, says GM supports the original version that was approved Thursday evening by the House by a 92-51 vote.

That version included a package that would give $5 million per year in tax credits over ten years to automakers that invest at least $750 million in plant upgrades, and would provide tax credits earlier in a business expansion. That version also includes Fast Track.

Pro Tem Schatz has refused to accept the second version, telling KMIZ Television in a Capitol hallway that “the Senate is not taking options at this point. We’re just not. No, we’re not taking options. We have the governor’s priorities (first version) and we’re not taking options at this point.”

DED Director Rob Dixon tweeted this weekend that he met with GM on April 25, and that the company asked for workforce and infrastructure support, and asked DED to advance the full legislative package, including Fast Track and what’s known as “Deal Closing.”

Dixon’s weekend tweets also note that no decision has been made by GM, and that Missouri can secure the long-term viability of the plant with the full legislation. Dixon also says the governor’s proposal benefits industries in all corners of Missouri.

Both House versions are aimed at landing the $1 billion expansion in Wentzville, one of Missouri’s fastest-growing cities.

The GM plant in Wentzville has about 4,600 employees.

According to documents provided by Governor Parson’s office, the upgrades to the plant would not immediately create new jobs but would ensure that production remains in Wentzville long-term. The documents also say GM has 178 suppliers across Missouri, with the broader impact of the plant supporting more than 12,200 jobs statewide.

The plant produces vehicles such as the GMC Canyon and the Chevrolet Colorado.

The 2019 legislative session ends on May 17.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet

Missouri Senate deadlocks on governor’s General Motors bill

By

The state Senate went into total stall mode Monday afternoon to block an incentives package for General Motors from making it to the floor. During this final week of the legislative session, the delay tactics have sidelined many other bills awaiting action.

Governor Mike Parson addresses firefighters during the Missouri State Firefighters Day in Jefferson City on March 6, 2019 (file photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI}

Members of Governor Mike Parson’s own party who live near the GM plant in Wentzville do not see eye to eye with him about legislation aimed at a potential expansion there. The six-member Conservative Caucus led the way with Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, encouraging his fellow Republicans to find compromise on the $50 million tax credit bill. He’s not crazy about providing tax credits earlier in a business expansion and financial aid for people pursuing high demand jobs.

“In conversations directly with General Motors, in conversations that some of my colleagues have had, that neither of those provisions are necessary for us to put our best foot forward when it comes to the possible expansion in Wentzville. I want to make sure that we’re not passing anything that I philosophically have a lot of problems with that aren’t actually required to get this through,” says Eigel.

During floor debate, Lake St. Louis Sen. Bob Onder says he would support $50 million in tax credits, but not the other two components. Senate President Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, says GM wants the whole package – not just the $50 million. Onder does not buy Schatz’s remark. He says he talked to local officials in the Wentzville area.

State Senator Bob Onder

“They told me that it’s not as black and white as the governor has been making it. The governor has been making it sound like the GM deal doesn’t happen unless his whole Christmas tree package is approved,” says Onder. “It’s clear that that’s not the case.”

Sen. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, questions what GM has a problem with.

“I’m still kind of waiting to hear what is the hang-up,” asks Burlison. “If we are at a place where we have a bill that meets the needs of General Motors and the outlier issues are the issues that have controversy and have had controversy for months, then what is it that we really care about? Do we really care about getting this issue resolved, getting this bill done for GM? Is that the real care? Or, it makes you wonder has the real desire all along been these outlier issues? Maybe the tail is wagging the dog – I don’t know.”

The Conservative Caucus had a glimmer of hope when the Missouri House took the unprecedented move of passing a scaled-down version of the package with $50 million in tax credits. Missouri Senate Republican leadership didn’t budge and refused to accept the alternative bill – sending the chamber back into a standoff.

The Conservative Caucus does not appear to be growing tired.

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) speaks to Capitol reporters on February 21, 2019 (photo courtesy of Senate Communications)

“We’re not in a place yet where we can say that there’s a path forward but we’re taking a look at that,” says Eigel. “It’s kind of a take it or leave it choice right now and right now we’re leaving it.”

Senate Democrats are sitting back and watching Republicans squabble in hopes of other controversial measures not passing.

Under the Missouri Constitution, the Legislature must adjourn its regular session by 6 p.m. on Friday.

Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet