MO Statehouse

State senators plan to investigate an unfulfilled central Missouri project that used public incentives and was to employ several hundred people to manufacture artificial sweetener.

The project by Mamtek U.S. Inc. was backed by $39 million in industrial development bonds issued by Moberly, and the state offered more than $17 million worth of incentives. But the plant remains under construction, Mamtek has laid off its employees and the company missed its first bond payment.

Lawmakers have left Jefferson City and are not scheduled to return, even though the special session is still officially underway.  House and Senate leaders are still at odds over a wide-ranging tax credit bill.

The only legislative action so far this week was Monday’s technical session in the Missouri Senate, in which two Senators gaveled the chamber in, took no action, then gaveled out about a minute later.  The House is scheduled to hold a similarly brief session on Thursday.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (D) met with reporters at the State Capitol today to discuss the latest developments with the special legislative session.   He also commented on the Mamtek controversy that has damaged the financial status of the small town of Moberly and caused some legislative leaders to question whether parts of the tax credit bill could wreak the same havoc.

You can listen to the entire news conference by clicking on the word "listen" above.