Shake up in state government — Will it affect you?

Governor Mike Parson is moving to downsize the state’s Department of Economic Development by 700 employees and transfer oversight of numerous divisions to other agencies. Economic Development Director Rob Dixon says the change will free his agency to concentrate on economic growth across the state.

Dixon declined to say if the staff reduction was part of an effort to reduce tax credits offered to businesses through the Economic Development Department. It also involves the Department of Insurance.