Missouri Added 4,1000 Jobs in May; Aided Disabled Workers

by Brian L. Baker

Gov. Matt Blunt and the Legislature recently announced that Missouri employers added 4,100 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis to the state’s economy in May bringing the total number of jobs created since January 2005 to a solid 94,300.

We commend Missouri’s working families and job creators for another successful month of strong job growth. Missouri leaders remain firmly committed to continuing the pro-job, pro-growth initiatives that have helped Missourians create nearly 100,000 new jobs over the last two and-a-half years.

Several industry groups added jobs in May. Construction employment was up by 1,000 jobs. Educational and health services, accommodation and food services, and local government each added 1,300 jobs. Information, financial activities and other private services also added jobs.

The state’s seasonally adjusted employment rate was 4.6 percent in May which is nearly identical to the U.S. seasonally adjusted employment rate of 4.5 percent.

At the same time, Missouri leaders also worked to increase working opportunities for disabled workers. Recently, Gov. Matt Blunt met with sheltered-workshop leaders where he signed legislation that will benefit more that 7,000 Missouri workers and strengthen opportunities for Missourians with disabilities to be active participants in Missouri’s workforce.

This legislation ensures that Missourians with disabilities will have opportunities to continue making vital contributions in their communities and gives access to jobs that will help them meet their full potential. Sheltered workshops employ some of Missouri’s most dedicated workers and play an important part in educating and building skills for the employees.

House Bill 352 increased funding for sheltered workshops. The workshops employ disabled Missourians and are operated by non-profit organizations. Currently, sheltered workshops receive $65 per week per worker and $13 per diem for weekend work. This legislation increases the amount of state aid workshops receive over the next four years to $95 per week per worker and $19 per diem for the weekend. There are 93 sheltered workshops in Missouri that employ about 7,400 disabled Missourians.

The legislation also increases the bonus from five to 10 points in the state bidding process for qualified nonprofit organizations for the blind and for sheltered workshops. The change will make sheltered workshops more competitive for state contracts.

Missouri success may be championed by elected leaders, but the office of the 123rd District is fully aware…the success of Missouri comes from Missouri small businesses, employers, and citizens who invest in our state. Missouri leaders are proud of our citizens and their hard work in providing jobs and services! Thank you Missouri!