(AP) Two Boeing employees who are Missouri lawmakers took different approaches when the House considered a package of incentives for their company to assemble a new passenger jet in the St. Louis area.
Rep. Doug Funderburk, who is a longtime Boeing electrician, passionately urged colleagues to approve the legislation Friday. He voted “yes” as the bill passed the House 127-20.
Funderburk told The Associated Press he didn’t think it posed a conflict of interest because he plans to retire within a few years. He said Boeing officials had no conversations with him about the legislation.
Rep. Clem Smith, who is a machinist on the Boeing F-18, abstained from voting. Smith told The AP the bill presented a conflict of interest, because it could mean more money in his pocket.