Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-1378
Blunt Says Missouri Must Be Aggressive In Order To Create New Jobs, Grow Economy
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov.-elect Matt Blunt brought together business leaders from across the state on Tuesday to discuss key elements of his plan to create jobs and improve Missouri's economy including enacting significant litigation reform, easing the regulatory burden on business and revising the state's workers' compensation system.
Blunt's Economic Development and Jobs Summit in Jefferson City provided business leaders with the opportunity to discuss ways to create new jobs in Missouri and hear about Blunt's plan for attracting new industries that will bring with them high-quality, high-paying jobs.
"Missouri is competing with 49 states and foreign countries for every job that is created." Blunt said. ``We have to be aggressive about attracting new businesses to our state. That is why I will to take a hands-on approach to bringing new jobs to our state including removing some of the barriers that currently stand in the way of greater prosperity for all Missourians.''
Blunt said he supports meaningful litigation reform that would prevent Missouri doctors from being forced to abandon their patients because of excessive malpractice payments that led the American Medical Association to name Missouri as one of 18 states facing a health care crisis. Easing the regulatory burden on businesses will reduce their costs and provide additional funding for investment and creating new jobs.
Blunt also supports changes to Missouri's workers' compensation system so that businesses have a reduced burden when it comes to paying workers' compensation premiums. In 2003, reports indicated that premium expenses incurred by businesses increased by 13.8 percent.
"I am committed to expanding business opportunities in Missouri and promoting job growth by freeing our employers and entrepreneurs from burdensome regulation and the fear of frivolous lawsuits," Blunt said. "Creating new jobs is about people. It's about building stronger Missouri families by providing opportunities and resources for individuals to make their lives better."
Blunt's Economic Development and Jobs Summit was sponsored by the Missouri Economic Development Council, a statewide, not-for-profit association of economic development professionals and community leaders.