Just five weeks before the start of the next regular legislative session, the governor has called Missouri lawmakers to the Capitol to put together an incentive package that would bring thousands of jobs to the Show-Me State and build the next generation of jetliner.

Boeing has yet to build even one of its 777X airliners, but already has hundreds of orders, totaling over $1 billion, for what is considered to be the largest commercial airliner in history. The company was going to produce the jetliner in the state of Washington, but had a falling out there due to certain restrictions union groups wanted to put on Boeing and its unionized employees. Missouri is now one of 16 states vying to bring the project here and add as many as 15,000 jobs in the process.

The governor has been in talks with representatives from Boeing and made the call for the Missouri General Assembly to convene a special session, which started on Dec. 2.

Senate Bill 1 would authorize incentives for aerospace industry job creation under existing programs, except with a separate incentives cap. The chance to add thousands of jobs is something we have to take. Some are concerned that these incentives would not be available to other smaller companies. While the scale is different, these programs are available to qualifying small businesses who add new jobs. Additionally, there are a number of checks and balances in place to ensure the state receives a good return on the investment.

The Missouri Legislature continues to debate Senate Bill 1. A companion measure in the Missouri House of Representatives is also moving its way through the legislative process. With a deadline of Dec. 10 from Boeing, it is a race against the clock, to say the least.

In other economic development news, MFA Oil has announced plans to purchase the former Mamtek site in Moberly. I know everyone is looking forward to positive momentum at that location.

Also this week, I would like to point out there are some Missouri counties where the number of antlerless permits allowed has been reduced from any number to two, but this is not the case for any of the counties in the 18th Senatorial District. Keep in mind, the firearm season for antlerless deer continues through Dec. 8; muzzleloader season is Dec. 21-31; the second firearm season for youth happens the weekend of Jan. 4-5, 2014; and the second archery season will end on Jan. 15, 2014.

Cold weather is here and Christmas is fast-approaching. I hope you have already had a good start to the holiday season, get to see lots of family and friends and share good times as 2013 winds to a close.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.