St. Louis (KMOX) - The bill providing tax breaks for Boeing passed the St. Louis County Council, but not everyone was on board.
The final vote was four yes, one no, one abstention, and one absent. Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway was the lone no vote. She said "hate the game not the player and I get that, but I hate the game. I think that it is these types of incentives that have turned this country, this county, the world we live in into a game that is stacked against the working families that we're trying to protect."
Councilwoman Lisa Clancy says she doesn't take the decision lightly, but went ahead and voted yes.
Councilman Ernie Trakas said both Clancy and Dunaway articulated perfectly the "horns of the dilemma" and normally he would vote no, but added, St. Louis as a region is dying, we can't afford to lose anymore corporate headquarters, or significant corporate presence."
Now the question is if Boeing can secure enough federal projects to go ahead with the 2-billion dollar expansion.
St. Louis County Executive Doctor Sam Page reacting to the Council's action on Boeing Tuesday night.
The "vote shows St. Louis County’s commitment to growing our economy, expanding
career opportunities, and building on our priorities to invest in North County. Landing this deal will bolster St. Louis County’s brand as a national leader in the defense industry. I will sign the bill into law tomorrow morning.
Approving these incentives demonstrates to the federal government that Boeing has the support of the community and the financial wherewithal to create the facilities needed for this nearly $2 billion project."
Greater St. Louis Inc CEO Jason Hall released the following statement:
“On behalf of the business community, we want to thank the St. Louis County Council for advancing this critical project that will bring nearly $2 billion in economic investment and 500 jobs to the metro. This is another big win for St. Louis that will pay dividends for years to come.
“The advancement of this project is a great example of regional collaboration and shows that when all partners, public and private, work together and speak with a unified voice, we can accomplish big things that will help the whole community.”