Nance: Special Session Begins

Special Session begins today with two items on the agenda. A bill [HB1] requiring NEW state employees as of January 1, 2011 to contribute toward their retirement and NEW state employees, statewide officials and legislators could not draw retirement until reaching the age of sixty two.

The second bill [HB2] is the Manufacturing Jobs Act. It is the most important legislation of the year. The original bill was sponsored by Jerry Nolte and me because of the impact it has on our districts. It could be used by any manufacturer, but in our area, it is sometimes called the Ford Bill.

Ford would probably qualify for $8 million of it. Some people think the $8 million Ford could keep from the state withholding tax from employees would affect state funds. If Ford does not get a top volume vehicle, many employees and the ancillary jobs like Magna Seating and other subsidiaries could also see closings.

To reap any benefit, Ford would have to invest $400 million. With that kind of investment, they would be making a long term commitment. The Claycomo plant is the second highest taxed facility that Ford has nationwide. We must do what we can as legislators to keep the Ford Plant. Final vote is expected Tuesday.

I will keep you posted.


Bob Bates and Ron White traveled with me to Jefferson City on Wednesday to accept a proclamation honoring Missouri Masonic Lodge’s MoCHIP identification program. The program just processed their 100,000^th identification.


I was honored by personal comments the Governor shared about my work for the children of Missouri.

Excelsior Springs Waterfest is this weekend. The parade begins at 10:00 on Saturday.