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Mo. lawmakers, governor at odds over fighter jets

A Boeing FA-18 fighter jet.
(via Boeing)
A Boeing FA-18 fighter jet.

Updated at 4 p.m. with statement from Boeing.

Updated 3:51 p.m. with Boeing jobs figures in Missouri

A new wrinkle of disagreement has emerged in Missouri's special legislative session on business incentives. State lawmakers and Gov. Jay Nixon now apparently are at odds over the production of military fighter jets.

The Missouri House passed a resolution last week urging Congress to provide full funding for the F-35 jet, which is made by Lockheed Martin in Texas. The resolution notes that suppliers for the F-35 support more than 500 jobs in Missouri.

But Nixon says the resolution does not reflect Missouri's position. Nixon is emphasizing Missouri's support for Boeing, which makes the F/A-18 fighter jet in St. Louis and employs about 15,000 people in Missouri.

The company released the following statement:

"We commend Gov. Nixon for his strong commitment to business in the state of Missouri and appreciate his efforts on behalf of the men and women of Boeing. Gov. Nixon has been a long-standing supporter of Boeing, our 950 Missouri-based suppliers and our skilled workforce of over 15,000 employees. We look forward to continuing to work with him to build highly-capable, versatile and affordable fighter aircraft right here in Missouri."

Republican House member Caleb Jones, who sponsored the House resolution, said Monday that he also supports Boeing and didn't think his measure would cost Missouri any jobs.