Second Econ Plan to Rescue Missouri

By Dan Verbeck

Kansas City, MO. – Missouri's Governor today defined what he calls a bi-partisan jobs package he will take to the special session of the legislature to start in September. Republican lawmakers have their own plan, unveiled yesterday.

The GOP package is also designed to rescue Kansas City from real or perceived 'poaching' by Kansas to lure away businesses.

Governor Jay Nixon centered on six priorities as he spoke at The Kauffman Center in Kansas City.A key one is MOSIRA, Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act.

The Governor was questioned if there is a program that allows up front incentives for business to move to the state, similar to what Kansas has.

Kansas City leaders have accused Kansas of using incentives that don't exist in the Show-Me State to raid Missouri firms.

The Governor says there is a tenative plan to make Kansas City more attractive to business--"the Compete Missouri Plan which allows up front funding when you're working on economic development. It allows us to monetize the front end of these deals. So we actually have closing cash on the front." And, to finance this, the Governor says the MOSIRA plan should create a fund huge enough to make the state the most competitive in the region.

There are similarities between the Governor's Package and that of Statehouse GOP leaders.

There will be considerable debate over bragging rights in the fight to rescue Missouri's economy, create and preserve jobs.