Nixon Attributes Auto Jobs, Manufacturing to Steady Unemployment Rate

DETROIT, Mich. -- Missouri's unemployment rate is still below the national average, according to December figures compiled by the state's Department of Economic Development.

The rate remained at 6.7 percent after Missouri employers added 10,200 new jobs.

Read More:?Missouri Unemployment Unchanged

Gov. Jay Nixon, who was in Detroit, Mich., Wednesday for the North American International Show, said he believed expansions in the state's manufacturing industry -- including the auto industry -- has left Missouri well placed as the nation strives to recover from the 2008 recession.

"Our balanced budgets, trained workforce and pro-growth policies make Missouri one of the best places in the nation to invest and create jobs," Nixon said. "I am committed to building on this solid record of growth and ensuring Missouri's auto industry continues to prosper and create jobs for years to come."

Nixon made his support of tax credits for the auto industry a key pillar of his reelection campaign. During his first term, he visited Detroit three times, and supported legislation that incentivized Ford and General Motors to keep plants open in Kansas City and St. Louis.

"With dramatic expansions underway at Ford, General Motors and auto suppliers across our state, this strong jobs report is another one of many positive signs that Missouri's economy continues to move in the right direction," Gov. Nixon said. "After previewing the next-generation of American-made vehicles to be built by workers in the Show-Me State, it's clear that our message to auto industry leaders has been delivered: our balanced budgets, trained workforce and pro-growth policies make Missouri one of the best places in the nation to invest and create jobs. I am committed to building on this solid record of growth and ensuring Missouri's auto industry continues to prosper and create jobs for years to come."

This trip marks the fourth time Nixon has visited Detroit to meet with auto industry executives since he took office in January 2009.

In his inaugural address Monday, Nixon touted working with the auto industry during his first term to prevent factory closings in Missouri.

Source: http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=754722

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