Missouri Senate approves incentives for automakers after lawmaker ends 20-hour filibuster

Filibuster ends, Mo. Senate passes Ford tax breaks

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri senators have overcome a more than 20-hour filibuster and approved new tax breaks aimed at enticing Ford Motor Co. to continue making vehicles at a Kansas City area plant.

The legislation passed 20-7 Thursday after Republican Sen. Chuck Purgason gave up his filibuster in exasperation shortly before 9 a.m.

The bill now needs only final House approval to go to Gov. Jay Nixon.

The legislation would let auto manufacturers keep a portion of the employee withholding taxes they normally would pay Missouri if they improve their factories. It’s targeted primarily at Ford’s Claycomo plant.

Purgason, who is running for the U.S. Senate, says Missouri could better boost its economy by offering broad-based tax breaks.