By Marshall Griffin, St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – Governor Jay Nixon continues to urge Missouri lawmakers to come to an agreement on an auto incentives bill during the now two-week-old special session.
A handful of Missouri House and Senate members held technical sessions this week, each one lasting no more than five minutes.
Press Secretary Scott Holste says the governor is now calling on House and Senate leaders to reach a compromise on auto incentives this week and pass it next week.
"Time really is of the essence," Holste said. "It's vital that we send a clear signal, not only to Ford, but also to the many automotive suppliers across the state who hire thousands of Missourians, that we are in agreement."
Meanwhile, House Speaker Ron Richard (R, Joplin) has issued a statement, saying that his chamber passed the bill "without delay" to provide incentives to Ford Motor Company's plant near Kansas City. The bill includes tax breaks for underground data storage centers, which Nixon wants removed.
There is also disagreement between the Missouri House and Senate over the creation of an investment board for state pensions.