Governor Nixon more than ready for federal stimulus

Intro: For the second day in a row, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon hyped the benefits of the multi-billion-dollar federal stimulus package -- and what it will do for Missouri. Brian Jarvis in Jefferson City has more.

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Unlike some governors, Jay Nixon can't wait to spend every penny of federal stimulus money in Missouri.

Nixon told the Missouri Press Association on Thursday that a hallmark of his administration will be providing education and job training for workers.

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Description: As most of you know who have listened to me before, I'm a huge believer in the strength, the economic development strength of people. That if you have a trained workforce, if you have educated folks, if you have them ready to learn, ready to earn, that really helps.

But Nixon offered few specifics and no actual budget numbers. Many in the political realm are wondering how his ideas will translate into policy.

From Jefferson City, I'm Brian Jarvis.

Intro: For Missouri's governor, the federal stimulus package is no temporary solution. It's a chance to redefine the state's future. Brian Jarvis in Jefferson City has more. RunTime:0:41
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Unemployment rolls in Missouri have soared to 219,000 with no sign of slowing.

Governor Jay Nixon told the Missouri Press Association on Thursday that help from Washington can't come fast enough.

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Description: This economy won't work if people aren't working. 25-year high of unemployment is unacceptable. We're going to do everything we can with the tools that have been provided in the stimulus package as well as the other advantages we have here in Missouri to expand our economy.

But while Nixon can recite unemployment figures, he did not offer any dollar figures for his own plan to invest in alternative energies and new technologies.

Still, Nixon says he has the bipartanship support to get the job done.

From Jefferson City, I'm Brian Jarvis.