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Excessive amendments stall Jobs Now bill

May 10, 2004
By: Josh Hinkle
State Capital Bureau
Links: SB 1409

State Senators offered amendments to a bill that would give funding to a program to accelerate the progress of Missouri's economy. Josh Hinkle reports from the state capitol.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

The governor's Jobs Now package was stalled because of a long list of amendments.

Jobs Now was meant to create new jobs in Missouri by targeting industries able to offer high-wage jobs in the future.

But amendments proposed by Senators like Sarah Steelman extended the scope of funding possibilities beyond direct workforce contributions to such areas like endowed research chairs for higher education.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "IT IS FOR WHAT I THINK IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THIS STATE IS TO INVEST SOME MONEY IN HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH THIS TARGETING OF CHAIRS WHICH REALLY ALLOWS YOU TO DO RESEARCH IN THESE TARGETED AREAS THAT ARE PRODUCING JOBS...THAT ARE PRODUCING AND ATTRACTING BUSINESSES TO THIS STATE."

Steelman's proposal was crushed by its opponents, because they felt amendments that strayed too far away from the purpose of directly creating jobs would kill the entire bill.

From the state capital, I'm Josh Hinkle.

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State Senators offered amendments to a bill that would give funding to a program aimed at creating jobs in Missouri. Josh Hinkle reports from the state capitol.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Senators proposed amendments to the Jobs Now bill, with additions that some felt went far beyond the scope of the bill's intent.

Senator Sarah Steelman proposed using a portion of the funds for research in higher education...an area she felt would eventually lead to job growth.

But Senators like Matt Bartle worked destroy such amendments that he felt could threaten the survival of the entire bill.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "YOU AND I BOTH KNOW THAT THAT AMENDMENT WILL BE RULED OUT OF ORDER OR WILL JUST KILL THE BILL. IT WON'T GO ANYWHERE. YOU'RE ASKING ME TO WORK ON SOMETHING THAT YOU KNOW WILL END UP IN FRUITLESSNESS."

Steelman's amendment was crushed and the Jobs Now bill was laid over for further consideration.

From the state capital, I'm Josh Hinkle.