House, Senate OK separate Toyota funding packages - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

RAV4EVR · 03-02-2007, 01:06 PM

Here is something to take home for the weekend. Don't be too mad ... Stay healthy..

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pb.../NEWS/70302013

Quote:

The state House approved today a $323.9 million incentive package for Toyota to construct a plant near Tupelo — separate from the one passed earlier this morning by the Senate and not without concerns of rushing the deal.
House Bill 1773 passed in a 117-0 vote and heads to the Senate.

Rep. Rufus Straughter, D-Belzoni, quizzed Ways and Means Chairman Percy Watson over timing of the vote.

The Mississippi Development Authority hashed out details of the incentive package with Toyota throughout the week. Legislation was drafted later Thursday night and lawmakers got their first look.

"Toyota required these negotiations in secret," said Watson, D-Hattiesburg. "This legislation really is a starting point for the locals to be able to do what they need to do."

Toyota Motor Corp. announced earlier this week plans for an auto plant in Blue Springs that will employ 2,000. Another 2,000 could be employed by suppliers and a possible 2,000 construction jobs could be available.

Toyota will receive $294 million for preparing the wooded, hilly site and training workers. An additional $30 million will be given state community colleges to train workers for the company’s top suppliers.

The Senate passed its version of incentives earlier in the morning in a four-bill package. Senate Bills 3212, 3213, 3214 and 3215 are going to the House.

The bills passed easily with applause and hollers in both chambers.

"This is truly historic legislation that we have passed," Republican Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck said. "That is great for the state we love, the state of Mississippi."