State lawmakers are returning to Jefferson City this week for a special legislative session. Gov. Eric Greitens is calling legislators back to address an economic development issue that could mean hundreds of jobs for Southeast Missouri.
During the regular session, the House approved legislation that could allow one company to proceed with plans to reopen the Noranda aluminum smelter at Marston; and another company to build a new steel mill at New Madrid, both in Southeast Missouri. However, despite overwhelming, bipartisan approval in the House, the measure failed to secure passage in the Senate before time ran out on the session.
Now, lawmakers will try again to approve legislation that would allow the Public Service Commission to consider lowering utility rates. The lower rates are a vital component to luring the companies to Missouri as it will allow the facilities under consideration to be more profitable.
The sponsor of the legislation said people in his area are in desperate need of jobs, especially after Noranda closed last year, eliminating nearly 900 jobs. He said the two projects under consideration could create more than 500 new jobs.
The bill's sponsor also noted that the entities behind the two facilities are expected to decide soon whether to give up on progressing with their plans for the two sites in Missouri. He said, if the legislature can quickly pass his bill, he is confident those companies will postpone their decisions until they can meet with the PSC.
The House and Senate will now work to find a version of the bill that can clear both chambers. House Speaker Todd Richardson released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying, "My colleagues and I in the House of Representatives are ready and willing to work to bring these good-paying, family-supporting jobs to Missouri. We will work quickly and efficiently during the
extraordinary session to send this important piece of legislation to the governor, while also keeping taxpayer cost to a minimum."
Because special sessions can be costly, the House plans to be as efficient as possible with its work schedule. The House plans to hold technical sessions, which do not require the full membership to be present, for two days next week, and to have just one full day of session. The schedule will help minimize the cost to taxpayers.
As always, it is an honor to serve the good folks of the 153rd District. If you would like to discuss any issue, please call 573-751-1066 or you