By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers are moving quickly on passing an economic stimulus package.
The Missouri Senate today unanimously passed a bill containing more than $33 million in tax breaks, while a State House Committee on Wednesday approved a $38 million package.
State Senator Harry Kennedy (D, St. Louis) sponsored the Senate version. He says it would also expand the governor's Quality Jobs Program by an extra $20 million.
"Companies could be already established, or they could move into Missouri... Quality Jobs are jobs that the salaries are paid above the county average...(they're) high paying jobs, and part of the health insurance is also paid by the employer," Kennedy said.
The bill now goes to the Missouri House. Speaker Rod Jetton expects they'll be able to come to an agreement with the Senate without too much difficulty.
"We definitely wouldn't want to just bring a Senate bill down without looking at improving it in some shape or fashion...I think there's a pretty good commitment," Jetton said.
The House version would also expand the Quality Jobs Program by $20 million.