McCaskill discuses federal grants, loans with business owners

The senator addressed the issue of people not knowing how to apply.

By Will Guldin

Published April 9, 2009

A two-week recess in the U.S. Senate has given Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., the opportunity to travel across Missouri and address constituents' concerns about the economy.

Columbia was one of many stops on McCaskill's trip, and it was the location of an Economic Development and Grant Writing Workshop she hosted at the Columbia Elks Lodge on Thursday. The event was organized in hopes of better educating people about existing government grants and loan programs.

McCaskill spokeswoman Maria Speiser said that though there are many programs available, there are a lot of people who do not know how to take advantage of them.

Speiser said with the downturn in the economy, local governments, small businesses and non-profit organizations might not know how to obtain resources such as low interest loans and grants, and others who aren't aware of the existence of such resources or how to utilize them.

"So the idea is to bring those government agencies here, bring all the people who are interested in learning more, bring them all to the table so they can learn about it," she said.

In both the keynote address during the workshop, and in a news conference afterwards, McCaskill stressed the importance of grant programs over government earmarks, which she said stifle competition.

"I don't believe in earmarks," McCaskill said. "I think it is a flawed process. I don't think it's fair, I don't think it is competitive and I don't think it produces the best value for taxpayers. So what I want to try to do is do it the right way, and that is by helping people in Missouri find federal grants that they can compete for. Worthy projects can get federal money if they're willing to compete."

John Larson, the president of Worldwide Environmental Solutions Technology Inc., a renewable energy company, said he appreciated having the chance to learn about federal grants.

"Something like this was so helpful, because it gave you that feeling that you could be involved," Larson said. "It's not something that is just for the elite. You can come here and talk to people directly."

This workshop comes as the economy has begun to rebound from record-breaking lows. Since March 30, the Dow Jones Index has risen more than 500 points, and a report released in late March by the U.S. Department of Commerce stated that consumer spending increased 0.2 percent in February. This marks the second straight month consumer spending increased after a full one percent growth in January.

McCaskill said she believes the worst of the economic troubles are over.

"This has been a rough patch, but I will say I think we have turned the corner," McCaskill said. "You look at the market and we've had sustained in recovery in the market now for over a week, where it appears the bottom has been reached and we're beyond it. Consumer spending is ticking up, we're beginning to make a real meaningful attempt at moving some of that housing stock, people are buying houses again. So we are on the way."