Jefferson City

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he intends to sign House Bill 1 of the One Hundred Third General Assembly's Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

“After a thorough bill review process with our team, I am prepared to officially sign the Missouri First Map into law,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri’s conservative, common-sense values should be truly represented at all levels of government, and the Missouri First Map delivers just that. We appreciate the work of legislators in the General Assembly in getting this bill to my desk, as well as passing critically needed IP reform to give Missouri voters the opportunity to protect our Constitution at the ballot box.”

On August 29, Governor Kehoe convened the General Assembly for a special session to enact legislation establishing updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri and amending the state’s initiative petition process. On September 12, the General Assembly truly agreed to and finally passed the Missouri First Map in House Bill 1 and the "Protect Missouri Voters" amendment in House Joint Resolution 3.

The bill signing will be a closed event. A press release will follow the signing, with photos available on the Governor's Flickr page.

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SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has signed Executive Order 25-29, declaring a drought alert in Missouri until December 1, 2025.

Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of 85 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The executive order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any additional county that begins experiencing moderate drought conditions.

"This executive order allows our state agencies to step in and direct resources to those struggling with the consequences of drought, while allowing for vigilant monitoring of conditions over the next few months," Governor Kehoe said. "While much of our state is anticipating rainfall this week, we expect drought conditions to continue impacting agriculture and waterway navigation. We urge Missourians to report their local conditions in order to help local, state, and federal partners to best understand impacts."

During drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance. Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).

The Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan calls for intergovernmental communication, cooperation, and coordination of efforts in drought mitigation activities.

A variety of helpful resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities as it becomes available. The one-stop drought website features a link to CMOR, current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps, the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.

Executive Order 25-29 will expire on December 1, 2025, unless otherwise terminated or extended.

To view Executive Order 25-29, click here.

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced eight gubernatorial appointments.

Laura Arnold, Ph.D., of Webster Groves, was appointed to the Missouri Juvenile Justice Advisory Group.

Ms. Arnold is the mayor of Webster Groves. Prior to public service, she worked as a faculty member at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is an engaged member of her community, having previously served on the Webster Groves City Council, and is an active board member for the Municipal League of Greater St. Louis. Arnold earned her bachelor's degree in political science from Northwestern University, a master's degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University, and a doctorate in political science from The Ohio State University.

Lori Boyken, of Glendale, was appointed to the State Board of Optometry.

Ms. Boyken served the people of Missouri as a staffer for the 3rd Congressional District from 2010 to 2021 before retiring. During her tenure as a congressional staffer, she primarily focused on aiding constituents with inquiries ranging from Medicare services to those regarding the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Boyken holds a degree in elementary education from Buena Vista College.

Dr. Carrie Hruza, of St. Louis, was appointed to the State Board of Optometry.

Dr. Hruza is an optometrist at Envision Eye Specialists and serves on several professional organizations and boards, including the St. Louis Optometric Society and EyeThrive, for which she is currently the vice chair. She previously served on the State Board of Optometry from 2012 to 2019. Hruza earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Dallas and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry.

Dr. Deborah Kerber, of Chesterfield, was reappointed to the State Board of Optometry.

Dr. Kerber is the owner of Resler-Kerber Optometry in Florissant, Missouri. She is an active member of several boards and organizations, including the American Academy of Optometry, Missouri Optometric Foundation, and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Kerber earned her bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri College of Optometry.

Amanda Liebig, of Blue Springs, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Liebig currently serves as an elementary special education teacher for the Independence School District. In addition to teaching, Liebig volunteered with the advocacy group Autism Speaks, where she supported individuals with special needs. Liebig holds a bachelor's degree in special education from Avila University, a master's degree in educational leadership and policy from the University of Kansas, and an education specialist degree in elementary mathematics from the University of Central Missouri.

Christopher Maglio, Ph.D, of Kirksville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Mr. Maglio is a professor of psychology with a focus on graduate-level teacher preparation in educational psychology at Truman State University. He serves his community through his work as a Psychologist and Diagnostician at the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center at Truman State University and has an independent practice that focuses on individual, couple, and family therapy. He has consulted for the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors and is the former president of the Missouri Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Maglio holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's in counseling, and a doctorate in counseling psychology from Arizona State University.

Jamie Redding, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Redding is a triage clinician lead at the Compass Health, Youth Behavioral Health Urgent Care in St. Peters. She previously worked as a pediatric medical social worker at One Children's Place and was the school outreach specialist for the Communities Healing Adolescent Depression and Suicide (CHADS) Coalition for Mental Health. Redding earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Georgia State University and her master's degree in the same field, with a focus on children, youth, and families' mental health, from Washington University in St. Louis.

Gordon Weathers, of Reeds Spring, was appointed as the Stone County Presiding Commissioner.

Mr. Weathers is currently the general manager of Best of Southwest in Table Rock, Missouri. An engaged member of his community, he currently serves as a city alderman, a member of the Reeds Spring School District Board of Education, and sits on the Pathway Project Coalition of the Ozarks Board. Weathers earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Evangel University in Springfield.

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SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the approval of additional expedited disaster assistance through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance funding to support private property debris removal in the City of St. Louis following the federally-declared disaster on May 16, 2025. This funding will supplement the recovery operations of the State of Missouri and the City of St. Louis while utilizing FEMA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) technical expertise to ensure safe, efficient, and accountable debris operations.

“We appreciate the efforts of President Trump and Secretary Noem to ensure that the State of Missouri and the City of St. Louis have the expedited funding and the resources we need for our recovery efforts,” said Governor Kehoe. “The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency will continue to work with city and federal officials on debris operations and support a safe, timely recovery for St. Louis. Our office has been proud to work closely with Senator Eric Schmitt, alongside the rest of Missouri’s federal delegation, and Mayor Spencer to ensure St. Louis can move forward and expedite its recovery.”

On May 16, 2025, an EF-3 tornado killed five people, destroyed or damaged thousands of homes and businesses, and impacted the lives of tens of thousands of St. Louisans.

The State of Missouri and the City of St. Louis will lead the private property debris removal mission, with the next steps including the state procuring of a contractor to complete to work and the city obtaining Rights of Entry from a verified owner before debris can be removed from eligible private property. FEMA and USACE will provide on-the-ground technical assistance, oversight, and best practices to help accelerate progress and protect public safety and health. This partnership keeps local and state officials in charge of recovery operations while also ensuring access to federal expertise and resources.

FEMA will cover 75 percent of eligible debris removal costs, with the State of Missouri covering the remaining 25 percent. In June, the Missouri General Assembly appropriated $100 million to support the city's recovery efforts during a special session called by Governor Kehoe.

Residents should continue to follow local guidance on debris sorting and placement. Information about any private property debris removal in designated areas will be provided by local officials when available.

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SEPTEMBER 17, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine blue beginning at sunrise on Thursday, September 18, 2025, until sunrise on Friday, September 19, 2025, in recognition of the United Way of Central Missouri celebrating 100 years of service to the region.

“Since 1925, the United Way of Central Missouri has been at the heart of our community responding to every challenge and rising to meet the needs of Mid-Missouri,” Governor Kehoe said. “Claudia and I have been proud to be involved in the United Way of Central Missouri for many years, and we hope that you will join us in supporting your local United Way by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word on ways to help your neighbors in need. Together, we can make our state a better place to live for all Missourians.”

The lighting of the dome was done in coordination with the United Way of Central Missouri, which serves nine counties in the Mid-Missouri area and works alongside 12 other United Way chapters across the state that all do exceptional work. Together, these organizations are building stronger, healthier communities, giving all children an equal opportunity for education, breaking the cycle of poverty, and meeting a neighbor's basic needs. In 2024 alone, the United Way of Central Missouri delivered:

• Over 10,000 nights of shelter,
• 36,557 meals for seniors,
• 1,637 pairs of shoes for children.

For more information on United Way of Central Missouri and its ongoing efforts, visit unitedwaycemo.org.

“It is a great honor for our organization to have the State of Missouri recognize this momentous occasion,” Lee Knernschield, President of the United Way of Central Missouri said. “Serving the Central Missouri area is a great honor and we look forward to continuing this important work for years to come.”

Photos of the Capitol lighted blue will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr Page.

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SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two appointments to fill county vacancies.

Christopher Kendall, of Farley, was appointed as the Platte County Treasurer.

Mr. Kendall currently serves as the interim Platte County Treasurer and pastor at the Salem Christian Church. He previously served as a controller at International Charolais Associates and bank consultant for Paladin, LLC. An engaged member of his community, he substitute teaches at West Platte R-II. Kendall received his bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and a master’s in ministry from Colorado Theological Seminar.

Michael Wulff, of Bethany, was appointed as the Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney.

Mr. Wulff currently serves as the Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney and is the owner and primary attorney at the private law firm, Office of Michael Wulff. He previously served as the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Harrison County. Wulff received his bachelor's in political science from the University of Missouri and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Following the Senate's adjournment sine die of the Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly earlier this afternoon, Governor Kehoe will begin to reappoint previously withdrawn interim gubernatorial appointments that require Senate confirmation next week.

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the release of the Executive Order 25-15 Implementation Report, a key step toward modernizing Missouri's child care licensing system by reducing outdated, duplicative, or burdensome rules—while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality for children.

"Missouri families deserve safe, reliable child care, and providers deserve a licensing system that is clear, practical, and efficient," said Governor Kehoe. "This report is a strong first step, but we know there is much more work to be done, which we expect to be done at business speed. Improving licensing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to addressing Missouri's child care crisis, and we will continue to push forward until families have the access and options they need."

Under the direction of Governor Kehoe's executive order announced during his first State of the State Address in January, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) reviewed more than 1,400 child care licensing rules and identified 177 requirements—over 10%—that are outdated, duplicative, or unnecessary. Once removed, this would reduce family child care home requirements by 11.6% and child care center requirements by 12.17%, exceeding the Governor's 10% reduction goal.

The review also found that more than half of all licensing rules are repeated across family homes, group homes, and centers. To address this, DESE plans to:

• Consolidate the rules into a single, unified book that clearly outlines general requirements for all providers and distinguishes those specific to each type of facility.
• Create a separate set of rules for school-age-only programs, which operate differently from early childhood care providers.

"This review is an opportunity to modernize child care licensing in Missouri, and I'd like to thank our stakeholders for their hard work in helping us identify areas for improvement," said Commissioner Karla Eslinger, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. "We've made important progress, but this is only the beginning. Families, providers, DESE, and legislators must continue working together to address the child care shortage and build a stronger system for the future."

The implementation of EO 25-15 demonstrates Missouri's commitment to reducing regulatory burdens on child care providers, supporting working families, and laying the groundwork for long-term solutions. Using this review, DESE will now work to revise the state's child care licensing rules through the formal rule rewriting process.

For more information on child care licensing and regulation, click here.

• EO 25-15 DESE Implementation Report.pdf

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SEPTEMBER 5, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 35th Judicial Circuit.

Beth "LeAnn" Below, of Parma, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Stoddard County in the 35th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Below is the first assistant prosecutor in the Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and previously served as an assistant prosecuting attorney and juvenile attorney for the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. She received her Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law and holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications and public relations from Southeast Missouri State University. Ryan will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Joe Satterfield.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine orange beginning at sunrise on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, until sunrise on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in recognition of September as Hunger Action Month.

“This month, we are proud to promote Missouri’s six incredible food banks that are truly on the frontlines of fighting the food insecurity that impacts every region of our state,” Governor Kehoe said. “Claudia and I hope that you will join us in raising awareness on hunger in Missouri and supporting your local Missouri Food Bank by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word on ways to take action. Together, we can end hunger in our state.”

The lighting of the dome was done in coordination with Feeding Missouri, a coalition of the six Missouri Food Banks working to provide hunger relief to all of Missouri's 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. Orange is the national color of hunger awareness and hunger relief. It is used each September to unify actions across the country during Hunger Action Month, and as a visible reminder that hunger affects every community. More than one million individuals in Missouri rely on food provided by the Feeding Missouri members annually. For more information on Feeding Missouri and its ongoing efforts to end hunger, visit feedingmissouri.org.

“Lighting the dome orange is a powerful visual reminder that hunger is closer to home than many realize,”Leigh Anne Haun, Executive Director, Feeding Missouri, said. “We thank the Governor and Mrs. Kehoe not just for this symbolic gesture, but for their willingness to roll up their sleeves and stand with farmers, students, and volunteers to strengthen Missouri’s communities.”

Photos of the Capitol lighted orange will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr Page. 

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AUGUST 29, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he has issued a proclamation to convene the General Assembly for a special session to enact legislation establishing updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri and amending the state’s initiative petition process.

The One Hundred Third General Assembly will convene for the Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session in Jefferson City on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

“Today, I am calling on the General Assembly to take action on congressional redistricting and initiative petition reform to ensure our districts and Constitution truly put Missouri values first,” said Governor Kehoe. “This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed IP reform.”

To establish updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri, Governor Kehoe unveiled the Missouri First Map, a more compact, contiguous proposed map that was drawn and created by his team in Missouri to be considered by the General Assembly.

Highlights of the Missouri First Map:

• Splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current map.
• Preserves 2 congressional districts as currently drawn.
• Retains every current member of Missouri’s congressional delegation in their current districts.

To view images of the map, click here.

“Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our Missouri values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the extreme Left representation of New York, California, and Illinois,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri’s conservative, common-sense values should be truly represented at all levels of government, and the Missouri First Map delivers just that.”

Governor Kehoe’s call also includes enacting legislation to amend the state’s initiative petition process with legislation that does the following:

• Bans foreign nationals from contributing to committees for or against a statewide ballot measure.
• Establishes a criminal election offense for fraudulently signing or gathering signatures for a statewide ballot measure.
• Provides that a statewide ballot measure be passed only if a majority of voters statewide and a majority of voters in each congressional district vote to adopt the proposed measure.
• Requires that before a statewide ballot measure is certified for signatures to be gathered, there shall be an opportunity for public comment.
• Requires that the full text of a statewide ballot measure be printed and available to voters at all election sites and polling places.
   

“For far too long, Missouri’s Constitution has been the victim of out-of-state special interests who deceive voters to pass out-of-touch policies,” said Governor Kehoe. “It's time we give voters a chance to protect our Constitution.”

To view Governor Kehoe's video announcement on the special session, click here.

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