Nixon: Missouri's economy is moving in the right direction

In a fundraising letter sent today, Gov. Jay Nixon stresses recent positive news about Missouri's economy.

By staying focused, working together and keeping our state’s fiscal house in order, we’re clearly turning the corner and Missouri’s economy is moving in the right direction.

 We still have a long way to go, but I wanted to share some of the encouraging economic news we got last week.

 First, new data revealed that Kansas City had the largest decrease in unemployment of any metropolitan area in the entire nation from 2011 to 2012. This is a tremendous testament to the hard work of the Kansas City region’s business leaders and local officials.

 Next, a new study by the Kauffman Foundation revealed that Missouri now ranks sixth in the nation for the rate of new start-ups and small businesses – up from 35th in 2010. That’s real progress in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship and small business growth.

 This recent news comes on top of the other clear signs of progress:

 Missouri’s unemployment rate is at a 38-month low – and for 30 consecutive months, our unemployment rate has been below the national average. Missouri businesses have created over 24,000 new jobs already in 2012. That number doesn’t include the thousands of new jobs that Ford and GM will be creating in Missouri over the months to come. We’re now exporting more Missouri-made goods around the globe than ever before, which supports jobs and economic opportunities here at home.

 Following the two-year tuition freeze we negotiated with college and university presidents, Missouri has led the nation since 2009 in college affordability. We won’t rest before every Missourian looking for a job has one.

 But the progress we’re making isn’t happening by accident. It’s happening because we’re bringing everyone to the table and focusing together on what matters most: balancing Missouri’s budget the right way, helping Missouri businesses create new jobs and preparing our children for the jobs of tomorrow.

 We’ve come a long way these past three years, but we can’t stop now. That’s why I need your help to run the most aggressive re-election campaign the state’s ever seen. Please contribute $10, $25, $50 – or whatever you can afford – today. Thank you for all your support. Together, we’ll make sure Missouri continues moving forward.