JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Lawmakers have approved more tax credits for businesses that provide above-average wages and pay for their employees' health insurance.

The bill heading to the governor increases the Quality Jobs
program's cap by $20 million annually to a total of $60 million.

The legislation also overrules a decision by the state treasurer to block ethanol and biodiesel plants from state incentives if even one investor is a lawmaker. The bill lowers the threshold to a 2% stake for disqualification.

Earlier this week, State Treasurer Sarah Steelman called
senators "cowards" for adopting the amendment reversing her
policy late at night and without a roll call vote. Steelman is a
Republican candidate for governor.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)