RON RICHARD'S QUALITY JOBS ACT - HB1
The progression of the Economic Development Bill-HB1
Lawmakers to vote on jobs bill
FROM THE NEOSHO DAILY NEWS 8/21/07
By John Ford/Daily News Managing Editor
“The House bill was a good bill,” Wilson said “The problem was the Senate kept adding, for lack of a better word, pork. They kept adding amendments.”
8/21 - Members of the House Economic Development Committee listen to testimony on House Bill 1
State lawmakers consider economic package
FROM THE COLUMBIA TRIBUNE 8/21/07
By Jason Rosenbaum
“I think it’s competitive nature that we pass this and move forward,” Richard said. “It’s unfortunate that tax incentives are the norm. But our tax code requires that we are in the game. When you look at the other states … the reality is that’s what the game is and we have to be in the game.”
Missouri special session
FROM THE QUINCY HERALD-WHIG 8/21/07
By Doug Wilson
Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said roughly 6,000 jobs — many in St. Louis County — were potentially contingent upon the bill's passage. Sen. John Griesheimer, R-Washington, used a figure of 8,000 to 9,000.
Cuts in Quality Jobs bill made before special session
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 8/19/07
By Melissa Dunson
“The purpose of the negotiations was to get as many people as possible comfortable with the new bill,” Richard said. “The governor and budget chairs were concerned about the price, but we managed to meet their expectations.”
House leaders meet after Blunt vetoes economic development bill
FROM THE KANSAS CITY STAR 7/16/07
By Tim Hoover
The Star's Jefferson City Correspondent
JEFFERSON CITY | House leaders met behind closed doors Monday to talk about slimming a hefty tax credit and economic development bill that Gov. Matt Blunt vetoed earlier this month.
Special session could be next for Quality Jobs legislation
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 7/10/07
By Melissa Dunson
On Tuesday, when Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt announced the state has given Joplin the final go-ahead for its Enhanced Enterprise Zone, state Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said there may be a chance to salvage the Quality Jobs legislation.
Blunt Vetoes Quality Jobs Act Bill
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 7/06/07
By Staff/AP Reports
Richard told the Globe in a Friday phone interview that he respected the governor’s opinion, but he still supported the bill passed by the Legislature. “I still believe the benefits outweigh the problems,” he said.
Special session could be next for Quality Jobs legislation
FROM THE ST LOUIS BUSINESS JOURNAL 6/15/07
By Tina Dubuque
If it weren't for Ron Richard, a major economic development bill might never have made it to the governor's desk.
"We've gotten very aggressive with economic development, recognizing that until recently, Missouri has been noncompetitive," Richard said. "We're trying to raise the standard of living without raising taxes."
He said he wants Missouri to be more competitive with other states when it comes to keeping jobs in the state. "We want to make Missouri attractive when they're considering location," he said. "Many other states offer more incentives to employers than Missouri currently doe
According to Richard: "We should think beyond what we need for next year in economics and job creation to where we want to be in the future. Missouri's in the position to grow."
A sometimes quirky legislative session produces positive results for Missouri employers
FROM MISSOURI BUSINESS NEWSLETTER
June 2007 Volume 75
“The best way to help the state’s economy, which will end up securing greater revenues for the state in the future, is to create jobs,” Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO, said. “And the economic development provisions passed this year will create thousands of jobs.”
Bill expands incentives to lure jobs to Missouri
FROM THE JOPLIN GLOBE 5/19/07
By Melissa Dunson
More than 7,000 Missouri jobs paying more-than-average wages hang in the balance under the latest reincarnation of the Missouri Quality Jobs Act, awaiting Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt’s signature.
Rep. Ron Richard sponsored the legislation and says it could bring better-paying jobs statewide and especially to Southwest Missouri.
“If we get this thing passed, it could be the biggest piece of legislation for Joplin businesses,” Richard said. “It’s not because of the amount of money involved, but because of how much it will affect the businesses.”
Richard's Two-Bill Combo Passes House
I am pleased to report that the Special Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development (the committee I chair) unanimously passed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 327. This is a combination of two bills I sponsored, House Bill 327 (regarding Missouri Quality Jobs) and House Bill 328 (regarding Enhanced Enterprise Zones). I am very proud of the overwhelming bipartisan support shown by the members of my committee. We are truly dedicated to the betterment of Missouri.
8/30 - Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, outlines his economic development package during discussion on the House floor
8/23 - Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, during debate on his economic development package, HB 1
8/21 - Department of Economic Development Director Greg Steinhoff (left) and Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, (right) testify in favor of House Bill 1
Ron discusses HB 327 with Rep. Michael Spreng – D (left), Rep. Fred Kratky – D. All are members of the Special Committee on Job Creation and Economic Development, of which Ron is the chair.
St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association
LETTER FROM STEVEN S. JOHNSON, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 9/7/07
"It was good to see you at this morning's bill signing ceremony at Monsanto. Please accept my sincere thanks for all your work in ensuring the passage of this powerful legislation related to Missouri Quality Jobs.
"It may be purely conincidental, but we have a handlful of very significant projects that have become active again afer the passage of House Bill #1, following several months of inactivity. Thank you for clearing up the uncertainty surrounding Missouri Quality Jobs and providing us the tools with which we can compete on behalf of our region."
St. Louis Cardinals
LETTER FROM MARK LAMPING, PRESIDENT 9/4/07
"On behalf of the St. Louis Cardinals and our great fans, I wanted to thank you for your help in reforming Missouri's ticket resale law with the passage of HB 1.
"We think this law will be a tremendous benefit to our fans, consumers and the state economy. We appreciate your leadership on this issue and your continued friendship.
"Missourians are fortunate to have a dedicated statesman such as you working for them."
MO Community College Assn.
LETTER FROM MARSHA DRENNON, Ed.D. 9/11/07
"On behalf of Missouri's community colleges I want to congratulate you for the successful passage of HB#1. Provisions in this bill will benefit businesses and workers across the state and greatly enhance Missouri's economic development.
"We are especially appreciative of your support for extending the sunset on the Community College New Jobs Training program. I know you were under great pressure to include a variety of provisions to HB#1. Thank you for recognizing the critical role job training plays in our state's economic development."
St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association
LETTER FROM C.K. "CHIP" CASTEEL 9/5/07
"Thank you again for giving me your signed copy of HB1 at the ceremony in the Governor's Office yesterday. That was an incredibly thoughtful and generous gesture. I presume the Governor has given you another copy of the bill by now - if not, I'll return the favor!
"The RCGA very much appreciates your strong support for economic development in Missouri, and looks forward to working with you on matters of mutual interest in the years ahead."
General Mills Team Joplin
LETTER FROM KEVIN C. WILSON, PLANT MANAGER, 8/31/07
"Thank you for your leadership in the passing of House Bill 1 enhancing job creation and economic development for the State of Missouri. Ron, you remain one of the 'good guys' in the political system. Your personal business savvy combined with your passion to keep the great State of Missouri and the great City of Joplin economically stable are unequaled in any state across America.
"Personally want to thank you again for all the help you have given General Mills over the years. You are a man of your word, and in today's society that is something to be proud of. Have enjoyed working with you in many different community opportunties and always enjoy the time spent and the results achieved.
"On behalf of the 500 hard working men and women at Team Joplin...Thank you!"