Education

Governor Parson Proclaims National FFA Week in Missouri on Behalf of Nearly 26,000 Agriculture Students

FEBRUARY 23, 2022

 — Today, on behalf of nearly 26,000 members of Missouri FFA, Governor Mike Parson proclaimed February 19-26, 2022, to be National FFA Week in Missouri. Missouri FFA President Kaitlin Kleiboeker of Pierce City received the proclamation on behalf of the 2021-2022 Missouri FFA State Officer team. Nearly 300 Missouri FFA members joined the Governor on the steps of the Missouri Capitol to celebrate.

“Every year it is a pleasure to get to recognize National FFA Week in the Show-Me State and to take the opportunity to demonstrate our agricultural roots by driving a tractor to work,” Governor Parson said. “The First Lady and I both come from farm families and truly believe our state’s future leaders are part of this exceptional group of young people in the Missouri FFA. We are always impressed by their determination, work ethic, and innovative outlook, and it is an honor to stand with them today.”

For the fourth consecutive year, Governor Parson drove a John Deere tractor to the Capitol in honor of the FFA tradition of students driving their tractor to school during National FFA Week. Along with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe joined in on the tradition again this year, demonstrating their ties to agriculture and commitment to FFA students. 

In 1928, 33 young men met at the Baltimore Hotel in Kansas City and began the National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA). Today, the organization’s official name is the National FFA Organization and now, 94 years later, is represented locally by 8,700 FFA chapters and 760,000 members nationwide. Missouri is home to more than 350 chapters and nearly 26,000 members.

“Every time I see students in their FFA jackets, I am excited for the future of agriculture,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “These future leaders will feed, clothe, and fuel a growing world. They will be leaders in their communities, innovators of technology and the generation who drive the next great wave of agriculture production. It is a privilege to recognize these students and the hardworking advisors who lead them each day." 

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the Missouri FFA Association, visit MissouriFFA.org.

Governor Parson Delivers 2022 State of the State Address

JANUARY 19, 2022

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson delivered the 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri General Assembly. 

Following a recap of 2021 and Missouri's Bicentennial year, Governor Parson proclaimed that Missouri is strong today and will be even stronger tomorrow.

Governor Parson's speech focused on budget priorities and America Rescue Plan Act spending goals for 2022: workforce and education, infrastructure, agriculture, community development, health care, and public safety. 

"With a historic budget surplus and federal dollars coming to our state, we want to build on our past momentum to capture even greater opportunities for the future of Missourians," Governor Parson said. "When other states will be filling spending gaps and budget shortfalls, we will be making investments in the future, because in Missouri, we took a common sense approach to the pandemic, never shutdown businesses, and have always had a conservative and balanced budget."

Workforce and Education

During his speech, Governor Parson expressed that now is the time to double down on workforce development and skill up Missouri's workforce. To do this, Governor Parson called for the Missouri Fast Track program to be permanently established, $31 million for colleges and universities through MoExcels, and $20 million for the state's 57 area career centers. 

To further support the education of Missouri's children, Governor Parson proposed multiple investments in K-12 education, including fully funding the Foundation Formula and raising starting pay for Missouri teachers to $38,000 per year.

"Last year, 95 percent of Missouri schools saw the value of in-person learning and did the right thing by keeping their doors open and our kids in schools where they belong," Governor Parson said. "We know the vast majority of Missouri educators get it right day-in and day-out, and no one in this chamber would be where they are today without quality educators in their lives, myself included."

For Missouri Higher Education, Governor Parson called for nearly $470 million to fund the top capital improvement projects at state community colleges and four-year institutions. Combined, Governor Parson recommended nearly $600 million in higher education investments that are expected to generate over $1.1 billion in economic impact for the state, strengthen communities assets, and bolster workforce development programs. 

Governor Parson also recognized that in order for Missouri to be successful, the state must recruit and retain talented public servants across state government. To do this, Governor Parson called on the General Assembly to pass an immediate 5.5 percent cost of living adjustment for all state employees. 

Infrastructure

To build on the state's past successes, Governor Parson again called for major investments in infrastructure, including $75 million for the Transportation Cost-Share program established by his administration in 2019, $100 million for low-volume roads across the state, and $400 million for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.  

Additionally, Governor Parson called for $400 million toward broadband expansion projects statewide, the single largest broadband investment in state history. This proposal would connect 75,000 households, expand access to rural areas and underserved urban areas, and update and expand wireless networks across the state. 

Agriculture

Governor Parson also reminded the General Assembly of the continued need to support Missouri agriculture, the state's number one economic driver. 

To help ensure the agriculture way of life remains strong and can be passed down to the next generations, Governor Parson called for $10 million to expand agriculture innovation and workforce programs.

Community Development 

Governor Parson announced, that with the General Assembly's approval, the state can make meaningful long-term investments in local communities by allocating $250 million for a statewide revitalization program. With local matching, this competitive grant program will encourage strategic local investments to revitalize communities spur local economic recovery and growth. 

Additionally, Governor Parson expressed how more citizens and travelers are experiencing Missouri's great outdoors. To complement this state asset, expand tourism, and drive small business growth and job creation, Governor Parson proposed investing $69 million to begin construction of the Rock Island Trail, which will become the largest circular rail-to-trail network in the United States. 

Health Care

The COVID-19 pandemic further revealed the need to strengthen health care networks across the state. That is why Governor Parson proposed $34 million to increase telehealth and telemedicine services in rural communities and the construction of a new multi-agency health lab to increase cross-collaboration for safer, healthier Missourians. 

Additionally, Governor Parson called for doubling the capacity of Missouri's six Autism Centers to help more families navigate the challenges of diagnosing and treating autism as well as reduce wait times for families needing services. 

Public Safety

During his speech, Governor Parson expressed his continued support for Missouri's law enforcement officers. He also recalled last year when Missouri established the first law enforcement training academy at a Historically Black College and University at Lincoln University. 

"We must work to strengthen our communities by supporting our men and women in law enforcement and learn from the failed policies in other cities and states to never allow anti-law enforcement measures to take hold in this state," Governor Parson said. "In Missouri, we defend law enforcement, not defund them."

This year, Governor Parson proposed investing $11 million to upgrade Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academies and provide more scholarships for law enforcement officers to receive POST certification and put more officers on the streets. These investments will aid with recruitment and retention efforts statewide and help keep communities safer. 

Additionally, Governor Parson asked the General Assembly to invest nearly $140 million in certain community health centers across the state for vital capital improvements to help meet the increased demand for mental health and substance use disorder services.

Legislative Priorities

Governor Parson also called on the Legislature to establish a Cash Operating Expense Fund that sets aside 2.5 percent of general revenue to mitigate budget cuts and provide greater flexibility during emergencies.  

"With a Cash Operating Expense Fund, we can achieve financial stability when the rainy days come," Governor Parson said. "This is the responsible thing to do, this is the conservative thing to do, and this is the right thing to do."

2022 State of the State Special Guests

During his speech, Governor Parson also recognized special guests for their achievements and commitment to the people of Missouri:

  • Michael McMillan – President and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis 
  • James Clark – Vice President of the Division of Public Safety and Community Response, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis 
  • Pastor John Modest Miles – Pastor, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church
  • Janet Miles-Bartee – Executive Vice President, Local Investment Commission (LINC)
  • Colonel Russell Kohl – Commander of the 131st Medical Group, Missouri National Guard
  • Shanisha Alexander – Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant Recipient, Bolivar Technical College
  • Bryan Webb – Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant Recipient, Bolivar Technical College
  • Beth Houf – 2022 National Principal of the Year, Fulton Middle School
  • Northland Career Center
    • Audrey Strope – Law Enforcement/Crime Scene Investigation Student
    • Nate Wassam – Law Enforcement/Crime Scene Investigation Student 
  • Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center
    • Nicholas Hodges – Computer Networking and Security Student
    • Lydia Strickland – Graphic Design Student
    • Anwyn Suhr – Digital Media Student
  • Carthage Technical Center
    • Olivia Bourgault – Health Sciences Student
    • Danny Darland – Health Sciences Student
    • Carly Simpson – Health Sciences Student
  • Nichols Career Center - Jefferson City School District
    • Cody Elliot – Welding Student
  • Pike-Lincoln Technical Center
    • Destyni Gabel – Building Trades and Construction Student
    • Haley Dowell – Auto Collision Student
    • Joel Mound – Diesel Technology Student
  • Paris FFA Chapter
    • Chris Ebbesmeyer
    • Carlee Long
    • Kendall Mason
    • Miranda Billings
    • Katrina Thomas
    • Maggie Cummins
    • Baylee Wade
    • Morghan Crane
    • Josh Bondy Advisor
    • Audrey Nobis Advisor
  • Colton Beck Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper

Governor Parson concluded today’s State of the State Address by recalling when Corporal Jared Schmitz made his final return home and he witnessed the true strength of Missouri: its people.

"When times are hard, Missourians move forward. When someone is down, Missourians lift them up," Governor Parson said. "These past years have been tough and dividing for a lot of people, but Missourians stay true; they give their best; and they always put others first."

"When we look to the future and not dwell in the past, when we find solutions instead of problems, when we stand together instead of apart, we can accomplish anything. We must always Keep Pushing Forward in this state, because no one is coming to do it for us," Governor Parson continued. "Missouri is STRONG today and will be EVEN STRONGER tomorrow."

 

To view a full transcript of Governor Parson’s speech, special guest bios, and Missouri's top rankings, please see attachments. To view the FY2023 Budget in Brief, please click here. To view the America Rescue Plan Act spending plan, please click hereThe FY23 Executive Budget will be available here at 3 p.m. Pictures from today's events will be available on Flickr.

Governor Parson's Statement Regarding MSBA's Decision to Withdraw from NSBA

OCTOBER 26, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson released the following statement in support of the Missouri School Boards Association's (MSBA) decision to leave the National School Boards Association (NSBA): 

"We applaud MSBA's decision to withdraw from NSBA. Missouri parents value local control, and when it comes to our children's education, parents have a right to know what is being taught and to have their voices heard. Recent actions by NSBA to paint parents as radicals and solicit unwarranted action by the Biden Administration shows a clear disconnect with Missouri Schools."

"In Missouri, we have strict laws to hold those accountable who harass or threaten school personnel. Our highly-trained local law enforcement are more than capable of handling these situations and do not need the DOJ or FBI injecting federal bureaucracy into our local matters. MSBA and its members have also fostered productive and successful relationships with local law enforcement to prevent these circumstances."

"We appreciate MSBA standing up for our students, teachers, and parents alike and recognizing that Missouri will play no part in criminalizing concerned parents. This action shows Missouri schools take parents' First Amendment rights seriously and will protect Missourians' abilities to speak freely and petition their local school boards. The state looks forward to working with MSBA in the future to continue advancing quality K-12 education and promoting a transparent school system." 

Governor Parson Concludes 2021 Bill Signings

JULY 14, 2021

 — By the end of today, Governor Mike Parson will have signed 13 remaining pieces of legislation into law, concluding bill singings for the 2021 legislative session. 

SB 26 - Public Safety

Modifies several provisions related to public safety, including providing taxpayers with the ability to obtain injunctive relief if a local government decreases its police department’s budget by a prescribed amount and creating additional protections for law enforcement officers. 

Additionally, this bill modifies provisions related to jail time credit for criminals prior to conviction and allows a defendant's behavior during that same period to be considered in sentencing proceedings. 

SB 49 - Public Safety

Modifies several provisions related to public safety, including establishing new watercraft and waterway regulations and eliminating safety inspections for new vehicles.

SB 53 - Public Safety

Modifies several provisions related to public safety, including clarifying the Raise the Age statute, increasing the penalty for doxing a first responder or law enforcement officer, modifying the residency requirement for Kansas City law enforcement officers to assist with recruitment efforts, and creating a judicial procedure that provides a pathway for a prosecuting attorney to correct a miscarriage of justice resulting from a wrongful conviction.

The bill also allows prosecutors to use a witness or victim statement when a defendant engaged in wrongful conduct that prevented the witness or victim from being available to testify in a criminal proceeding.

HB 69 - Certain Metals

Modifies record keeping requirements for purchasers of gold, silver, or platinum to reduce theft.

SB 72 - Awareness and Monument Designations

Establishes Law Enforcement Appreciation Day as the first Friday in May, creates Pioneering Black Women's Day on March 26th, and establishes The Gateway Arch as Missouri's official state monument. 

SB 120 - Military Affairs

Ensures National Guard service members are granted interviews for state government positions, promotes awareness of the state's resources that are available for veterans, and creates the Purple Star Campus for K-12 schools. 

HB 297 - Higher Education

Expands the available uses of 529 education savings plans, requires Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a state plan for Career and Technical Education, and allows college student-athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, or likeness. 

HB 349 - Empowerment Scholarship Accounts

Creates Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) that will offer scholarships to qualifying students to attend a K-12 school that is outside of their current school district. 

SB 86 - Public Funds

Prohibits the contribution or expenditure of public funds for a variety of political causes and updates provisions related to ESAs. 

HB 369 - Land Management

Provides additional liability protections for Missouri landowners. 

HB 432 - Relating to the Protection of Vulnerable Persons

Makes statutory changes to implement the Office of Childhood, clarifies wage requirements for sheltered workshops, and establishes a right to unpaid leave for victims of domestic or sexual violence and their caregivers. 

SB 520 - Memorial Highways

Establishes numerous memorial highways throughout the state. 

HB 557 - Relating to the Protection of Children

Establishes minimum reporting requirements for license-exempt residential care facilities in an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of children and requires background checks for all facility and agency workers who have contact with children. 

For more information on the above bills visit the Missouri Senate or House website. Photos will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.

JAG-Missouri Attracts More Than $100,000 to Support Students

APRIL 5, 2021

 — Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri, known as JAG-Missouri, recently received a number of contributions totaling more than $100,000 – one of the best fundraising periods in the organization’s recent history.

JAG is a 40-year-old national nonprofit organization that has helped more than 1.5 million students reach their full potential by ensuring they graduate from high school and are successful at the career of their choosing. JAG graduates overcome significant academic, economic, and social challenges to graduate and enter the workforce.

For the 2020-2021 school year, JAG is serving more than 76,000 participants in 1,450 communities across 40 state affiliates. Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson currently serve as co-chairs of the JAG-Missouri Board of Directors. Governor Parson also serves on the JAG National Board of Directors along with 13 other governors.

“We are passionate about workforce development and giving Missouri students the opportunity to advance in their education and careers,” Governor and First Lady Parson said in a joint statement. “That is why we got involved with JAG, and we have not been disappointed. The program has truly changed the lives of students in very positive ways, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

In recent weeks, JAG-Missouri has received the following contributions to support its students:

  • AT&T Foundation - $5,000 – AT&T, one of JAG’s longest-standing supporters, made a $1 million commitment to JAG National in 2020 to provide emergency resources to build virtual services for JAG participants. As part of the contribution, 13 JAG affiliates, including JAG-Missouri, received grants to prevent JAG programs from closing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and ensure JAG participants continued to receive the critical support of their Trauma-Informed JAG Specialist, including training in JAG’s 37 Employability Skills Competencies;
  • AT&T Missouri – $30,500 – AT&T Missouri helped establish JAG-Missouri as a nonprofit and has continued to play a leadership role;
  • Bank of America in Kansas City – $15,000 – this is the most recent of several annual grants awarded by Bank of America in Kansas City, to especially assist Kansas City-area programs;
  • John B. Rust Charitable Trust – $16,500 – this trust serves youth and is managed by Bank of America in Kansas City;
  • Central Bank of the Ozarks – $2,500 – this is the most recent annual contribution from Central Bank of the Ozarks, a partner since 2014;
  • Regions Bank of St. Louis – $30,000 – Regions Bank has made annual contributions since 2014 to support JAG-Missouri, especially in the Greater St. Louis Area – Regions and the Regions Foundation also made a $245,000 contribution to JAG National to provide emergency Trauma-Informed Care training and to support Affiliates across five states; and
  • Board Members and Individuals – $3,000.

 

Since JAG was founded, and even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, participants have consistently achieved outstanding results. This includes a 95.7 percent graduation rate compared to an 84 percent average national graduation rate. JAG graduates are also 230 percent more likely to be employed full-time compared to their peers and twice as likely to go to college.

In June of 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shared that 18 to 19-year-olds represented the age demographic most negatively impacted by COVID-19 layoffs with a national unemployment rate of 33 percent. For JAG graduates, that rate was three times less (11 percent).

One of 40 state affiliates, JAG-Missouri includes 87 programs across the state this year serving approximately 3,000 students in high school, alternative school, and middle school/junior high settings. Since 2014, JAG-Missouri’s graduation rate has been at or above 98 percent. 

JAG-Missouri provides a grant for half of the funding for each program – $30,000 for high school and alternative programs and $20,000 for middle school/junior high programs. The grants are funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a federal program administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services, and private contributions. The participating districts agree to match the funding up to the grant amounts.

“One of the strengths of JAG-Missouri is the public-private funding,” Governor and First Lady Parson said. “The private support is crucial, and we are so thankful for the contributions from these organizations and individuals. Like us, they understand the value of JAG to our students, workforce, communities, and future. As co-chairs of the board, our goal is to continue to grow JAG-Missouri and reach as many students as possible.”

For more information about JAG-Missouri, including the 2020-2021 programs, schools, and districts, please visit JAG-Missouri.org.

Governor Parson Announces Special Funding Cycle to Help Missouri’s Youth

MARCH 11, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced a special cycle of the Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and Youth Opportunities Program (YOP), making $21.8 million available to assist nonprofit organizations and other entities providing services to at-risk youth.

“Missouri nonprofits have been a lifeline for many Missourians throughout the COVID-19 crisis, providing critical services during times of uncertainty,” Governor Parson said. “This program will help ensure that these organizations can continue providing Missouri’s at risk-youth with the support and resources they need throughout the recovery process.”

COVID-19 has had a massive impact on mental health for all citizens, including children. Anxiety, stress, and other negative conditions have been on the rise, and these organizations provide resources and services that help children deal with these issues.

Up to $8 million of NAP tax credits and $6 million of YOP tax credits will be reserved for nonprofit organizations and other entities providing critical services to at-risk youth. Additional NAP and YOP credits are available for nonprofits addressing other pressing community needs with priority for job training programs and services directly resulting in crime prevention. Nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, Missouri businesses, local governments, and schools are all eligible entities for this program.

“Community organizations have played a huge role in supporting hard working Missouri families throughout the pandemic,” Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said. “We’re proud to be able to use these funds to bolster these great organizations.”

NAP and YOP are contribution tax credit programs. Approved applicants are awarded state tax credits to help attract eligible donors to fund an approved community development or youth opportunity project. Organizations approved for tax credits engage in fundraising activities and offer tax credits as an incentive to donate, raising the dollars necessary to complete the proposed project and address a critical community need.

The application cycle for the NAP/YOP Special Cycle will be held from March 31 to April 22. There will be an application workshop on April 1, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. to answer applicant questions and help fill out required documentation. Click here to register for the workshop.

To learn more about the NAP/YOP Special Cycle, click here.

Governor Parson Announces New Office of Childhood

JANUARY 28, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson and the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and Social Services (DSS) announced the consolidation of several early childhood programs across state government into a single Office of Childhood.

The new office will be housed by DESE and provide a comprehensive approach to early childhood care and education, including all state programs related to child care, home visiting, early learning, and early intervention.

“Missouri families deserve the best early childhood system our state can provide,” Governor Parson said. “This is also a critical area of workforce development for our state. We must see to it that the workforce of tomorrow starts off on the right foot, and that means better support for Missouri children and their families.” 

Currently, DESE, DHSS, and DSS each provide various services for children and families. The transition to one office will streamline early childhood work across state government and ensure all Missouri children and families have access to more consistent, quality programs and services.

A cornerstone of this initiative, and a top priority for each participating department leader, is ensuring Missouri’s children are safe, healthy, and successful learners. 

“Safe, stable, and nurturing environments are essential to prevent child abuse and neglect in the early years of a child’s life,” DSS Acting Director Jennifer Tidball said. “Feeling safe allows young children to build strong relationships, be confident, and reach their full potential.”

“Having good mental and physical health impacts children’s ability to be successful in school and in life,” DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams said. “Social and emotional wellness allows young children to be resilient, to cope, and to grow into well-rounded adults. That all begins in early childhood.”

“The early years of a child’s life are truly the foundation for lifelong learning,” Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven said. “We know that children enrolled in high-quality early learning programs achieve greater success in school and have improved health and lower crime rates as adults. To finish strong – with a capable future workforce – we must provide children with a strong start.”

The Office of Childhood will consist of approximately 145 employees across the state. No state employee positions are being eliminated due to this consolidation. Current funding will remain unchanged for the programs involved as well as private child care providers and public schools. The Office of Childhood will have an estimated Fiscal Year 2022 budget of approximately $660 million.

Governor Parson today signed Executive Order 21-01 officially establishing the new office, which will take effect on August 28, 2021, unless disapproved by the state legislature within 60 days.

For more information on the new Office of Childhood, please click here.

Governor Parson Announces $4 million CARES Act Grant to St. Louis Community College in Forest Park for On-Campus Child Care Services

JANUARY 6, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced $4 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Child Care Plan funding for St. Louis Community College in Forest Park to improve the quality and availability of child care and early education programs.

"Access to quality child care is critical for working families, and attending college is often a full-time job,” Governor Parson said. “With this funding, St. Louis Community College in Forest Park will for the first time be able to offer on-site child care by repurposing existing space into a 15,000 square foot facility that will serve up to 60 children at any given time. This facility will be crucial to ensuring children remain safe and educated while student parents receive training for high-demand jobs.”

“In addition to providing quality child care, this facility will allow students in Early Childhood programs to gain on-site experience that will expand child care options in St. Louis,” said Missouri Department of Social Services Acting Director Jennifer Tidball. “This facility will enable parents on campus to focus on their job or education while their children are learning developmental skills.”

The CARES Act grant announced today is part of Governor Parson’s initiative to fund improvements in the quality and availability of child care and early education programs. The funds help establish or expand on-campus child care centers via a one-time grant to support and strengthen access to safe child care for 20 or more children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of low-income families receiving child care subsidies while parents work or pursue education or training. The grant period runs through October 31, 2021.

In October 2020, five Missouri college campuses were first round grant recipients of over $5 million in funding. The announcement of the second round grant to St. Louis Community College in Forest Park brings the total allocation for the program to nearly $10 million.

Last week, Governor Parson also announced $46 million in child care funding to assist working Missouri families and support child care providers serving their needs. 

Missourians in need of information on Child Care Subsidy, Food Stamp, Medicaid, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefit programs can visit dss.mo.gov.

Missourians can also apply for those services 24/7 online by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov, or sending completed applications and verification documents by email to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov, or by fax to 573-526-9400. The Missouri Services Navigator also has information on over 2,800 programs and services in Missouri.

Missourians who have questions not specific to an individual’s case can use the DSS Virtual Assistant for immediate answers to basic questions 24 hours a day. Phone assistance is also available, call 855-FSD-INFO or 855-373-4636 Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Governor Parson Announces $68 Million in Federal Funding for Higher Education Institutions

JANUARY 6, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced over $68 million in Federal Budget Stabilization Fund appropriations for infrastructure and capital improvement projects at Missouri's public universities and State Technical College of Missouri. 

Releasing these funds will help address major repairs and restore campus buildings to maintain a safe environment.

“Public universities play a major role in their local communities, serving a variety of needs in addition to their traditional academic roles,” said Governor Parson. “This has never been more clear than the COVID-19 crisis when higher education institutions have offered up facilities for ultra-cold vaccine storage, contributed to the state's PPE supply chain, and provided job training for unemployed Missourians. These funds will help provide much needed support to our public universities just as they have done for our communities.”

With many public and private partnerships, college campuses are not only centers of cultural and historical significance but also vital parts of community health and wellness. Public higher education institutions have a facility footprint of over 2,400 buildings with approximately 60 million maintainable square footage throughout Missouri.

Comprehensive reviews in 2009 and 2018 by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development found that significant maintenance and repairs are needed to continue providing Missouri college students with quality facilities for learning.

“Projects like roof repair and updating an old boiler aren’t flashy, but they are absolutely essential to maintaining safe and effective learning environments for students,” Commissioner of Higher Education Zora Mulligan said. “Governor Parson has been committed to these investments since his time in the Missouri Senate when he championed legislation that authorized $400 million in bonds to repair college campuses and state buildings. We are grateful funds are being released to address deferred maintenance on our campuses and appreciate the Governor's continued support.”

To view a breakdown of the funds per institution, please click here

Governor Parson Announces $46 Million in Child Care Funding to Support Missouri Providers and Working Families

DECEMBER 30, 2020

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced $46 million in child care funding to ensure child care providers can support the needs of working Missouri families, especially those with low incomes during COVID-19.

“In order for Missouri to be a strong and healthy state, we must deliver essential services and support the needs of our working families, especially during COVID-19. As Governor, I am committed to finding innovative ways to do this,” Governor Parson said. “The funding announced today will continue to help low-income families, support child care providers, and provide new ways to meet the educational needs of students in child care settings.”

Today’s announcement includes a new $2.5 million grant opportunity for child care providers across the state. Child care providers may apply for a grant of up to $25,000 to support the needs of school age children who are virtually learning while in their care.

To help offset income loss due to low attendance during COVID-19, $12 million will be provided to fund 20 percent rate differential payments from January through May 2021 for Child Care Subsidy Program providers not currently receiving disproportionate share rate differential payments. 

Today’s announcement also includes continuation of several vital child care benefits for low-income Missourians:

  • An additional $10.9 million will fund a temporary Child Care Subsidy benefit (up to 60 days) from January through May 2021 for low-income Missouri families unemployed due to COVID-19 while they look for work. This is a one-time benefit for Missouri parents.
  • $12.8 million will fund Transitional Child Care Subsidy benefits through December 2021 for parents who work, attend school, or train for work with an income from 138 to 215 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), even if they previously did not qualify for the Child Care Subsidy program. Missouri families qualifying for a Transitional Child Care Subsidy benefit receive an 80 percent subsidy benefit if their income is between 138 to 176 percent of the FPL or a 60 percent subsidy benefit if their income is from 177 to 215 percent of the FPL.
  • $8.5 million will fund fulltime child care subsidy benefits through May 2021 for working parents with eligible school-aged students who are not attending in person.

“Governor Parson has been extremely supportive of quality child care for all Missouri families, and especially now during COVID-19,” said Missouri Department of Social Services Acting Director Jennifer Tidball. “We know this additional funding is very welcome news to our families and those child care providers who are keeping children safe while parents work.”

Missourians in need of information on Child Care Subsidy, Food Stamp, Medicaid, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefit programs can visit dss.mo.gov.

Missourians can also apply for those services 24/7 online by visiting MyDSS.mo.gov or sending completed applications and verification documents by email to FSD.Documents@dss.mo.gov or by fax to 573-526-9400. The Missouri Services Navigator also has information on over 2,800 programs and services in Missouri.

Missourians who have questions not specific to an individual’s case can use the DSS Virtual Assistant for immediate answers to basic questions 24 hours a day. Phone assistance is also available by calling 855-FSD-INFO or 855-373-4636 Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.