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Business Beat: September 28, 2011

This week:  Direct payments for farmers could be coming to a halt.  … And a business incubator built in Sedalia could have a positive impact lined up for the city.  Hosted by Nick Adams

State Fair Community College received a $1.8 million grant last week for the construction of their new business incubator.

KBIA’s Derek Klein explains why the incubator will create jobs for Sedalia as well as hands on experience for the college’s students.

The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce presented a plan Monday night for a half-cent sales tax increase to help fund “transformation projects.” The 10-year tax would support 30 projects to “transform” the city. City Council Member Carrie Carroll says residents have waited on these projects their entire lives and Missouri State Prison renovations top her list.

Other projects include renovations at St. Mary’s hospital, repairing the surfaces of multiple streets and adding a trolley to the downtown area. The total cost of the projects is an estimated 41-million dollars. The City Council could vote on the tax in one of its next two meetings. If approved, Jefferson Cityvoters would have their say on the tax on the February 7th ballot.

Deficit hawks are circling around government spending, and agriculture subsidies are one target in their sites.  With farm income reaching record highs, more and more politicians — including President Obama –  are looking to slash direct payments to farmers.  Last year the U.S. government paid out $4.9 billion dollars.

As part of our ongoing series on the farm bill, Harvest Public Media’sKathleen Masterson reports that while certainly not all farm groups are on board… many farmers recognize the time’s up for the unconditional cash –