Kander: Keeping jobs in KC

Dear Friends,

Last week I alerted you of my opposition to a proposal to move 80 jobs from Kansas City to Jefferson City in an attempt to “reign in” the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). I proposed an amendment that would retain other proposals to expand oversight of the MHDC without uprooting families or laying off workers in KC or St. Louis. As you may recall, the debate became very geographic rather than very partisan.

Recently, a bipartisan group of legislators from the Kansas City area formed the “Kansas City Caucus.” With my amendment, our little group had its first test. Every member of the caucus – regardless of party – supported my amendment. It passed in one of the closest votes in the House this session.

The amended bill expands oversight without moving the jobs. It passed overwhelmingly today.

I consider this a success for Kansas City and St. Louis and I wanted to share the news with you. Each legislator must work toward job creation, but an equally important task is job retention. Competing with other states for jobs is tough enough. We shouldn’t have to compete against cities within our state, as well.

Just thought you’d like to know how last week’s story ended. The bill now goes to the Senate for their consideration. In an effort to keep everyone up to date on a variety of issues, I’ll host a town hall in late April. Keep an eye out for a message with the date and time.

Thanks!

Jason