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Unemployment Down, Jobs Up In Missouri

Mary Slaughter, an employee of Southwest Technologies for 19 years, says this time of year is usually slower for business. But that hasn't been the case in the last few years. Southwest recently signed three new contracts and wants to expand its facility.
Elana Gordon
/
KCUR
Mary Slaughter, an employee of Southwest Technologies for 19 years, says this time of year is usually slower for business. But that hasn't been the case in the last few years. Southwest recently signed three new contracts and wants to expand its facility.

At 7.3 percent, unemployment in Missouri has dropped to its lowest level in 40 months.  That’s according to the latest monthly report from the state’s Department of Economic Development.

Governor Jay Nixon emphasized this drop and an increase in jobs yesterday during a visit to Southwest Technologies, a medical products company in North Kansas City.

“The bottom line is that throughout the state of Missouri, we’re seeing the trend lines turn in the right direction and we’re seeing concrete steps forward,” said Nixon.

Missouri experienced 6,000 new jobs in April and a 15 percent increase in state exports in the first quarter of the year.

After touring Southwest Technologies, which makes hot/cold packs and wound care products, Nixon also reiterated his hope for lawmakers to pass tax credit legislation before session ends Friday, to encourage more manufacturing jobs in the state.

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