Business, labor push jobs creation package

Missouri business and labor leaders Tuesday urged a united effort to gain approval of a bipartisan Made in Missouri Jobs Package in next week's special session of the legislature.

The Missouri General Assembly will convene Sept. 6 to begin debate on the jobs proposal that has widespread support.

But as the proposal moves through the legislative process, opposition to some provisions may make passage of the entire package more difficult.

Members of the news media from around the state raised questions during a conference call including statewide business and labor leaders about the fairness of eliminating tax credits to help finance job creation incentives.

One tax credit targeted by some legislators is the Missouri Circuit Breaker property tax credit that is available only to low income renters up to a maximum of $750 and to homeowners up to a maximum of $1,100.

Tracy King, vice president of Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the package of job creation proposals was put together by business and labor leaders and did not include financing methods.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.