By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri House has passed legislation that would provide tax breaks to a Canadian aircraft builder if it opens a new plant in Kansas City.
The bill would provide Bombardier Aerospace up to $240 million in tax credits to build an aircraft factory at Kansas City International Airport.
The tax credits would be issued in the year 2013.
State Representative Timothy Flook (R, Liberty) says it would put thousands of Missourians to work.
"It's (going to) create thousands of more jobs that are also the types of jobs we want: Light manufacturing, warehousing, mechanics, you name it...and the ripple effect across our state will be incredible," Flook said.
Opponents argued that Missouri's small businesses are more deserving of tax breaks, instead of a large corporation in a foreign country.
State Representative Rachel Bringer (D, Palmyra) spoke against the bill on the House floor.
"I think it's just really hard to justify, in light of our economy, and in light of the small businesses who are really the true wonderful economic engines of our state, who are going another legislative session without any focus or any emphasis on them at all," Bringer said.
But other Democrats and almost every Republican voted in favor of the bill, by a 138-14 margin.
It has already passed the Missouri Senate and now goes to Governor Matt Blunt for his signature.