In the last few years, Missouri’s population has grown at a rate of 1.5% per year. It is a much slower rate of growth than the national average of 2.6%.

Author Tejvan Pettinger writes about the advantages of population growth.  More people tend to lead to greater human capital, which in the past has led to increased cutting-edge discoveries.  Population growth also leads to higher economic growth with more people producing more goods and services. Other advantages outlined by Pettinger include economies of scale, specialization, and efficiencies.

I write about population growth because it reflects the economic health of our state.  Compared to other states, our growth rate in Missouri is falling further behind every year.  We lag behind in the number of new industries, the availability of labor, and economic production.  It is for that reason the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Economic Development work hard to attract and retain businesses and industry.

We are not alone.  Most states have crafted incentive packages specifically targeted to attract the attention of corporate officials.  Rural Enterprise Zones offer tax benefits. Tax increment financing packages are common in urban areas.  State tax credits and investment acts are part of every state’s economic development tool chest.

In the recent special session, we voted on Senate Bill 3 which provided the Missouri Department of Economic Development with the tools they needed to retain the Chiefs and the Royals. The sports industry is an economic engine that creates thousands of jobs in the Kansas City region.

The Chiefs and the Royals also contribute millions of dollars in tax revenue. The Governor’s plan was to reinvest the tax dollars paid by the teams into a new stadium and sports complex. The alternative was to open the door and allow the teams to move across the state line, giving Kansas the greater economic and tax benefit.  It is a bold move in the Governor’s plan to grow Missouri.

Senate Bill 3 also had some amendments that have caused many of the legislators a little heartburn. In reality, every year we have the ability to draft new legislation.  Any amendments in SB3 could be changed in the next session.  But, if the Chiefs or the Royals decide to move to Kansas, we will never have a chance to get them back. I appreciate Gov Kehoe’s vision to grow Missouri.

Thanks for the opportunity to represent you in the state government.  It is always a challenge to make the right decision. If you want to share your vision, send me an email at bruce.sassmann@house.mo.gov.  Or call my legislative assistant Jill, at 573-751-6668.