Missouri Senate advances Manufacturing Jobs Act

The Missouri Senate yesterday advanced the Manufacturing Jobs Act, a bill that could potentially save thousands of jobs at the Ford Motor Co. plant in Claycomo, according to Republican Sen. LuAnn Ridgeway of Smithville, who handled the bill in the Senate.

The bill was passed by the Missouri House 125-19 on June 29, according to Springfield Business Journal coverage.

After more than 21 hours of debate, the Senate OK'd the bill, which was then sent to Gov. Jay Nixon's desk, according to a Senate news release.

If passed, the act would allow auto manufacturing companies and their suppliers that create or retain Missouri jobs to keep all or part of their employee withholding taxes, provided the company makes an investment in a new or expanded product, according to the release.

Ridgeway said the program could save 3,700 jobs at the Ford Claycomo Plant as well as help other companies in the state.

"We are doing what we can to help protect thousands of Missourians' jobs - not just at Ford, but for small businesses across the state that rely on Ford to purchase their products," Ridgeway said in the release.

Gov. Nixon issued a statement yesterday following the passage of the bill.

"Today, Missouri took a critical step forward for automotive manufacturing in our state," he said in a news release. "Thousands of hardworking families in every corner of Missouri depend on the automotive industry, and it's essential that we keep those folks living, working and earning right here."[[In-content Ad]]