Steelman touts BIG Missouri program on Dexter visit

DEXTER, Mo. -- On her second visit to Dexter in as many months, State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, who is bidding for the top spot in Missouri's political arena, met with several female supporters during a luncheon held at the Hickory Log Tuesday afternoon.

Steelman briefly presented her tax relief proposal to the informal audience, which she says will provide nearly $200 million in tax alleviation to Missourians.

"There are several components to my plan," Steelman told the women gathered, "including an increase in the personal exemption for both single and married filers and an increase in the dependent child and seniors exemption."

The increases, she explained, will help offset increasing costs to families across the state. Steelman noted that changes in the state's exemption numbers have not changed since 1999.

Steelman fielded questions from the audience of approximately 40 area Republican supporters, touching upon her staunch pro-life views and her support for legislation that has assured that same-sex marriage will not be legalized in the state of Missouri. Steelman was responsible for authoring the legislature banning same-sex marriage while she was on the Senate floor.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate for governor took a few moments to explain the mechanics of a program she developed in 2005 called "BIG Missouri." The program is designed to help farmers and small business owners get bank loans at lowered interest rates through linked-deposits from the state.

Steelman explained that the program, managed through her office as state treasurer, has created jobs and economic growth for Stoddard County to the tune of $7.3 million.

"Over 7.3 million is invested in Stoddard County farms and businesses through the BIG Missouri program," she said, "including over $1.2 million in just the past month."

Across the state, over $220 million has been placed in the program over the past three years, according to Steelman. The program, as she described it, helps the state grow stronger by investing in Missouri residents.

"That's what this program does," she said, "one family and one community at a time."

By allowing farmers and small business owners to acquire loans at a lower interest rate, Steelman attests to saving them approximately 25 to 30 percent of interest costs overall.