Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt: Missouri Job Growth Skyrockets with 80,000 Jobs Created in Two Years
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that Missouri's economy is flourishing with nearly 80,000 new jobs created since January 2005 - a number so large it would employ more than the entire population of Cole County (72,000) where Blunt made the announcement.
"We now have more jobs in Missouri and more Missourians employed than ever before in our state," said Gov. Blunt. "Our economy is growing as a result of the hard work of Missourians who are creating and recruiting high quality family-supporting jobs to our state. My administration will continue supporting pro-jobs, pro-growth policies that will help raise the standard of living for every Missourian, because I believe the hard working people of this state will keep us moving forward if we give them the opportunity and the freedom to succeed."
"More people are working and the future looks bright," Senate President Pro Tem Michael R. Gibbons said. "We have done serious work over the past two years to build a strong foundation for the people of Missouri so they can have good paying jobs and pursue the American Dream."
"Having Gov. Blunt take the lead on issues like tort reform and workers' comp. reform improved our business climate and produced jobs," said House Speaker Rod Jetton. "Now, we have more people working and we've gone from billion dollar shortfalls to $300 million surpluses."
"It's clear the improvements in Missouri's business climate are getting noticed around the world," said Greg Steinhoff, Director of Missouri Department of Economic Development. "We are experiencing record levels of recruitment opportunities. This combined with increased corporate investment will build a solid foundation for our future economy. Governor Blunt's pro-jobs, pro-growth economic policies are clearly helping Missourians enjoy greater prosperity."
Missourians created 79,700 jobs between January 2005 and January 2007. In addition, the state's unemployment rate stands at 4.6 percent, the lowest level since 2001. Yesterday Blunt announced that last year Missouri set a record for exports with $12.8 billion in sales to 191 countries around the world. International sales by Missouri companies increased by 22.1 percent or $2.4 billion in 2006 compared to the previous high of $10.4 billion in 2005.
Since taking office the governor has worked to enact pro-jobs, pro-growth policies that have helped move Missouri forward. The state's economic outlook has improved with the passage of aggressive litigation reform, workers' compensation reform and proactive recruiting tools like the Missouri Quality Jobs Act.
Blunt is asking the Missouri General Assembly this year to double the Quality Jobs Act capacity to create more family supporting jobs.