The Chamber

Enhancing the economic vitality of the community is the highest priority of the Chamber. Local communities in Missouri are at a competitive disadvantage compared to other areas of the country in retaining existing jobs and attracting new employers and investment. In addition, the state has not adequately funded training grants to business. This has had a negative impact on existing employers with training needs and has diminished the ability to offer training incentives to potential new employers.
 
Position: The Chamber urges the state legislature to adopt meaningful legislation that would provide for competitive economic development incentives to support local communities in their efforts to retain jobs and investment. Further, the Chamber supports additional funding of state training grant programs to support economic development efforts and the removal of authorization limits for accessing the state’s “Quality Jobs Program.” Lastly, the Chamber supports the prudent use of economic development tools, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and we support continued participation and input from all affected taxing authorities in decisions regarding tax abatement and reallocation of funds.