BOND PUSHES JOB, ECONOMIC GROWTH

JACKSON -- U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond was in Cape Girardeau Wednesday to push for his economic agenda, which includes renewed public and private investment to create jobs and long-term economic growth.

"I know how important it is to maintain a strong economic base to provide job opportunities, particularly for our young people who otherwise leave our communities," Bond said. "That's why fighting for economic opportunities and jobs is my top priority."

Bond said he supports increased investment in education, worker training and the state's economic infrastructure; new incentives to invest in new plants and equipment and to make long-term investments and encourage research and development; and more assistance for families who want to build their savings or buy their first home.

Bond called for retaliation against unfair trade practices by other countries that cost American jobs and resulted in lost income for American farmers.

Bond last year successfully fought for greater investment in Missouri's highways and bridges, changing the federal funding formula. The changes are expected to increase road and bridge funds in Missouri 75 percent and add $6.6 billion to the state's economy over the next six years.

Bond said he believes in using our agricultural products and technology to produce jobs in rural Missouri. He also stressed that the United States must enforce existing trade agreements before we enter into new agreements.

"We need fundamental changes in America to compete economically and win," he said. "We must rebuild a high-savings, high-investment and high-productivity economy that produces good jobs and economic growth.

"That means more investment and less interference from the federal government," Bond added. "It also means we must change the way business is done in Washington."