Gov. Nixon Stresses High-Tech Jobs in Economic Development Plan

Update: Gov. Nixon also plans to be in Springfield Tuesday to talk about "Missouri Works" at Custom Powder (2715 North Airport Commerce Ave) at 1 p.m.

(Jefferson City, MO) -- With jobs continuing to be a primary focus of legislative attention in the state capitol, Gov. Jay Nixon on Monday unveiled a new economic development agenda aimed at creating new jobs.

While speaking at Magna Seating Inc. in Excelsior Springs, Nixon outlined the details of "Missouri Works," an economic development strategy designed to attract more high tech jobs and bring higher rates of employment to rural parts of the state.

"Missouri Works gives us concrete steps we can take right now to attract new employers to Missouri, create career opportunities, and keep our economy growing," Nixon said. "When it comes to creating jobs and growing our economy, we simply don't have a day to lose."

Nixon's new jobs plan recycles many ideas from last year's failed economic development and builds on the already enacted Missouri Science and Innovation Reinvestment Act.

To help jump start the MOSIRA funds and encourage the growth of high tech industries in Missouri, the governor will recommend an immediate investment of $4 million by the state legislature. These funds will be invested through the Missouri Technology Corporation as loans or other investments.

Nixon's plan also call for more funds to provide career training and development for Missouri workers and more funds to help lure companies to rural parts of the state.

One area being targeted as a potential growth sector from manufacturing is automotive parts suppliers. Nixon said the planned openings and expansions of Ford and General Motors plants in Claycomo and Wentzville provided an opportunity to grow auto manufacturing jobs throughout the state.

This new economic development strategy provides and early glimpse at Nixon's budget priorities for the next year. Nixon will unveil his draft of next year's budget next week during the annual State of the State address. The state of Missouri currently faces a budget shortfall that could be as high as $500 million.?

Source: http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=583722

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