The General Assembly returned to the Capitol this week for a special session called by the governor to consider expanding a handful of our state’s current tax incentive programs in an effort to get Boeing, one of the largest aerospace manufacturers in the world, to build its new commercial jet the 777X here in Missouri.

Boeing’s original plans of locating production in Washington fell through late this year after a new contract with labor organizations in that state failed to materialize. The company asked 12 to 15 others states to put together incentive proposals to help decide where it would relocate the project.

This is an opportunity we can’t pass up. It’s no secret that our country’s manufacturing base is not what it once was, which is why jobs still left in that industry are so important. Current production of the F-18 in St. Louis supports around 15,000 jobs, not to mention the countless supply and parts companies that work with Boeing. This deal would create an estimated 8,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs in our state.

The legislative proposal, contained in Senate Bill 1, adds $150 million a year total to the Missouri Works, Missouri Works Training (created by legislation I carried in 2013), Missouri BUILD, and the TIF Act programs.

These are some of our state’s most responsible incentive programs, narrowly targeted to encourage growth in fiscally responsible ways. They contain strong safeguards to guarantee no state tax dollars are spent unless the jobs we’re promised are actually created. If Boeing doesn’t deliver, they receive nothing. The incentives also regularly net a positive return on investment, making them some of the most successful in our state.

I would not have supported this measure if I did not feel it could greatly benefit our area. As I heard during the committee hearing on the bill, countless small businesses all over the state, from parts suppliers to shipping companies, see this deal as an incredible chance to expand their companies and get a foot in the door of commercial aerospace production. Many of these businesses are right here in the 3rd District. Helping them grow would be an incredible boost to our region.

Economic opportunities like this come along rarely, maybe once every few decades, if that. We have to try. These jobs would support a generation of workers in our state and could lead to growth and expansion in every corner of Missouri. Plus, those workers employed and supported by Boeing would spend their income locally, immediately injecting untold dollars into our economy.

On Friday, the General Assembly sent Senate Bill 1 to the governor. The bill contains anemergency clause, meaning it would take effect upon receiving his signature. Boeing gave a deadline of Dec. 10 for all incentive proposals.

To be clear, there is no guarantee we will get this project. Competition is high, with numerous states doing everything they can to bring Boeing to their area. But, the proposal we’ve put together is generous yet reasonable, and with our current aerospace infrastructure in place, we have a real shot. It’s expected the company will announce their decision sometime early next year. I will keep you updated with any new developments.

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