January 21, 2010
2010 Jobs Package will help create jobs now, lay foundation for long-term economic growth
Gov. Nixon details key jobs priorities from State of the State during stops in St. Louis, Kansas City and Columbia
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon tours a state-of-the-art lab facility at the Sigma-Aldrich Company, in St. Louis on January 21, 2010, one day after delivering the annual State of the State speech. Nixon was at Sigma-Aldrich to talk about his 2010 jobs package, focusing on growing Missouri businesses in science and technology and enhancing jobs-training programs.
ST. LOUIS - One day after delivering his second State of the State Address, Gov. Jay Nixon visited businesses in St. Louis, Kansas City and Columbia on Thursday to detail his three-pronged 2010 Jobs Package.
The Governor's initiative focuses on creating jobs now, and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth, by enhancing tools to help existing Missouri businesses expand; investing in the blossoming science and technology enterprises; and committing additional resources for job training at Missouri community colleges.
"From the moment I took office, my top priority has been to turn this economy around," Gov. Nixon said. "Over the past year, we've made real progress, by working in a bipartisan way to expand our economic development tools, balance the state budget, and provide targeted tax cuts. But there's certainly more we need to accomplish. That's why I have put forward an innovative 2010 Jobs Package that focuses on growing Missouri businesses, investing in science and technology, and providing new opportunities for job training. I ask the Missouri General Assembly to join me in setting politics aside and putting Missouri first."
Gov. Nixon's 2010 Jobs Package includes three major components, two of which will require legislative approval:
The Missouri First proposal would create a loyalty program to help existing Missouri businesses expand and create new jobs. Under the proposal, existing Missouri employers would be eligible for enhanced incentives under certain economic development programs if they have been located in Missouri for at least five years. This proposal requires legislative approval.
The Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act (MOSIRA) would help attract new science and technology companies to the state. MOSIRA would establish a dedicated fund for investment in these companies by redirecting a small percentage of the growth in state revenue from a designated group of high-tech companies already located in Missouri. As additional jobs are created in these fields, the investment fund would grow, providing additional resources to invest in emerging companies. The Missouri Technology Corporation would administer the MOSIRA fund. This proposal requires legislative approval.
Training for Tomorrow is a $12 million investment in job-training programs at Missouri community colleges. This initiative is specifically designed to prepare Missourians for high-demand positions, such as nursing aides and laboratory technicians. Community colleges are required to submit detailed proposals to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, outlining how they intend to use the funds and the demand for the programs they seek to expand. Applications are now available and are due by Feb. 15. This program does not require legislative approval.
"The economic challenges we face are tough, but I know the people of Missouri are tougher," Gov. Nixon said. "By investing in our existing businesses, technology and training, I am confident we will create the jobs we need and move our economy forward."
Gov. Nixon detailed his 2010 Jobs Package during tours of Sigma-Aldrich, a leading international life-sciences company in St. Louis; Aptuit, a global pharmaceutical company in Kansas City; and Newsy.com, a next-generation multimedia company in Columbia.