There’s no question that the numbers were significant when Panasonic announced it would invest some $4 billion and create 4,000 jobs at a new battery plant in De Soto. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the investment was the largest in state history. And if Panasonic were to hire 4,000 workers, it would become one of the largest employers in the Kansas City metro area. But that’s a big if. The state’s agreement with Panasonic doesn’t require the company to create 4,000 jobs — or any jobs at all. Nor does it create minimum wage or salary standards for the firm — a crucial component of many economic development packages. Experts say those are two glaring omissions. Read more about the deal and the secrecy that surrounds it in the link in our bio. ✏️ Kevin Hardy & Katie Bernard #PanasonicPlant #LauraKelly #KSPolitics #Kansas #DeSoto