Jefferson City

OCTOBER 3, 2025

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

Paul Boyd, of Columbia, was appointed as the Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorney.

Mr. Boyd currently serves as the violent crimes team lead for the Boone County Prosecutor's Office and previously served as a counterdrug coordinator and military judge for the Missouri National Guard before retiring after more than 20 years of service. He is a current member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars service organization, the National Guard Association of the United States, and the Missouri Bar Association. Boyd earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Southwest Missouri State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Rebbeca Minks, of Warsaw, was appointed as the Benton County Treasurer.

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OCTOBER 3, 2025

Jefferson City — In honor of Missouri's fallen firefighters, Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red, beginning at sunset on Saturday, October 4, 2025, until sunrise on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the days during which annual ceremonies will be held honoring Missouri firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for their service.

“We will always honor and remember the brave, selfless firefighters who gave their lives to protect their fellow Missourians as well as their family members who carry on with steadfast resolve,” Governor Kehoe said. “We light the Capitol Dome red in continuing appreciation of the more than 400 firefighters who made their ultimate sacrifice for their dedication to protecting others.”

On Saturday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m., the Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri will hold a candlelight vigil at the Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City honoring all deceased firefighters. The Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri is located at 5550 Dunn Drive, Kingdom City, MO 65262 (one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection).

On Sunday, October 5, at 10:30 a.m., the foundation will hold a memorial service at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in honor of Missouri firefighters recently recognized by the memorial foundation board as having died in the line of duty.

Governor Kehoe has proclaimed October 5 as Fire Service Memorial Day in Missouri.

“Missouri’s fire service is a family based on tradition, dedication, and commitment to our communities and each other,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “The Capitol Dome shining red serves as a beacon, reminding the fire service community that their fallen brothers and sisters are remembered and appreciated and informs the public of the importance of service to others and commitment to our communities.”

Photos of the Capitol lighted red will be available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.

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OCTOBER 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe, in collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD), announced the release of the Executive Order (EO) 25-16: Governor's Workforce of the Future Challenge Report, which lays out a path to modernize Missouri's career and technical education (CTE) system and strengthen the state's workforce pipeline.

“Missouri's future depends on preparing the next generation to take on the jobs that drive our economy,” said Governor Kehoe. “This report confirms that career and technical education is an essential part of Missouri's long-term economic strength. We must ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and every business has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.”

EO 25-16, which was announced during Governor Kehoe's inaugural State of the State Address, charged DESE, with DHEWD as a principal partner, to lead a a statewide review of CTE delivery. Over four months, the departments convened a statewide working group made up of educators, business leaders, and workforce experts and surveyed more than 5,600 Missourians—including parents, educators, students, and employers.

The working group and survey findings highlighted broad public support for CTE and an urgent need to expand access, improve advising, and deepen business-education partnerships. Highlights of the surveys include:

• 92.3% of Missourians view CTE positively, and 90.8% see it as a pathway to higher education.
• The top benefits identified were leadership skills (82.4%) and life skills (85.4%).
• Business leaders stressed the need for stronger partnerships with schools to expand internships and apprenticeships.
• Parents and educators called for clearer information on credentials and college credit transfers.

To capitalize on these findings, three recommended priority areas were identified:

• Strengthen Work-Based Learning, Employer Engagement, and Workforce Development – Create a statewide work-based learning innovation grant, expand registered apprenticeships, develop a work-based learning toolkit, enhance work-based learning opportunities for non-traditional students, and conduct a comprehensive review of WorkKeys.
• Expand Early Career Exploration, School Counseling, and Advising Systems – Launch career counseling earlier in schools, hire more full-time advisors, provide resources for K-12 students and counselors, and carry out a full assessment of Missouri Connections.
• Strategic Communication and Marketing to Promote CTE – Launch a statewide CTE awareness campaign, highlight student success stories, market high-needs sectors through region-focused social media campaigns, and increase awareness of Missouri’s CTE Certificate.

“This report shows that families, educators, and employers are united in support of strong career and technical education,” said Dr. Karla Eslinger, Commissioner of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. “Our job now is to turn that support into action by expanding work-based learning, improving career advising, and creating clear pathways to high-demand careers.”

“By strengthening partnerships between schools, colleges, and employers, we can prepare Missourians for long-term success,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “Missouri’s economy is strongest when education and workforce go hand in hand.”

The Governor's Office will review these recommendations to guide continued efforts to expand CTE access, strengthen business-education partnerships, and ensure Missouri students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the economy of tomorrow.

For more information on career and technical education, click here.

• WorkforceChallenge_Report.pdf

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OCTOBER 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nearly $10 million in state grants for improving public safety to Missouri Blue Shield communities across the state. A total of 201 counties, cities, and towns earned the Governor’s Blue Shield designation by creating comprehensive, sustainable plans to fight crime and promote safer communities, making them eligible for grant funding.

“We had high expectations when we announced the Blue Shield Program on our first day in office, but the work Missouri communities have put into fighting crime and supporting law enforcement has been tremendous,” said Governor Kehoe. “The communities earning Blue Shield grants are proving the value of this program by utilizing the state funds to purchase equipment that will identify and help capture criminals and protect officers as they patrol Missouri’s streets.”

Missouri communities could apply for $50,000 in training, equipment, and technology grants if they met Missouri Blue Shield requirements and were designated as Blue Shield communities by June 1, 2025. A total of 60 counties, 137 cities and four towns were approved. A map of Missouri Blue Shield communities and a list of these jurisdictions is available here.

Blue Shield awards to communities include:

• 388 Mobile Data Terminals
• 351 Body Cameras
• 151 License Plate Readers
• 102 Ballistic Vests
• 91 Interoperable Radios
• 56 Vehicles

“The Blue Shield communities are investing the state grants they are receiving in ballistic vests, body cameras, license plate readers, radios, dash cameras, patrol vehicles, UTVs and other equipment that will make a real difference to crime fighting every day,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “I also appreciate all the assistance our DPS Grants team provided to the Blue Shield community applicants to get the money flowing quickly to support the fine work of our local law enforcement partners.”

Communities have received notification of their grant awards by email this week from the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The Blue Shield Program, as outlined in Executive Order 25-03, is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouri initiative announced on his first day in office. The Governor included, and the General Assembly approved, $10 million in grant funding for law enforcement training, equipment, and technology in Missouri’s FY 2026 budget.

Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria includes:

• Passage of a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including to reduce violent crime within the jurisdiction;
• Extraordinary investments in public safety funding;
• Community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety;
• Law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime;
• Participates in regional anti-crime task forces, or a commitment to be a willing partner with these in the future; and
• Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.

Blue Shield counties, cities, and towns must maintain their commitments to retain the Blue Shield designation via annual reporting about their ongoing efforts to support public safety to DPS. There will be another opportunity for other communities to apply for the Blue Shield designation and take advantage of future grants in 2026.

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OCTOBER 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Justin Hamm, of Mexico, as the Missouri Poet Laureate for 2025-2027.

Mr. Hamm currently serves as the school librarian at Eugene Field Elementary in Mexico and is the author of five books of poetry and several individual works, which often draw inspiration from Missouri's people and landscapes, and have appeared in journals and anthologies nationwide. In addition to his writing, he is a photographer whose award-winning hybrid poetry and photography exhibit, Midwestern, toured throughout the Midwest between 2018 and 2020. Hamm holds a bachelor's degree in English from MacMurray College and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Southern Illinois University. 

“I'm deeply honored to be named the next Poet Laureate of Missouri. I look forward to serving the people of this state and repaying poetry for the countless ways it has shaped and steadied my life,” said Mr. Hamm. “For years I've tried to let my poems testify that Missouri is a place rich in story and worthy of literary attention. As Poet Laureate, I hope to uplift the voices of our state's poets higher, and to remind everyday Missourians that poetry isn't some distant art but a living thing—and it belongs to anyone with a heart that yearns for connection.”

The Poet Laureate program, created in 2008 and administered by the Missouri Arts Council, enriches the lives of Missourians by fostering the art of poetry statewide. Through public appearances, readings, workshops, digital and social media, the Poet Laureate helps elevate poetry in schools, communities, and cultural spaces. 

Hamm's two-year term as Missouri Poet Laureate begins October 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2027. He succeeds David L. Harrison of Springfield, who served from July 2023 through September 2025.

Governor Kehoe selected Hamm from among public nominations reviewed by the Missouri Poet Laureate Committee, composed of previous Poets Laureate David L. Harrison, Maryfrances Wagner, Karen Craigo, Aliki Barnstone, William Trowbridge, and Walter Bargen.

• Justin Hamm.jpg

About the Missouri Arts Council 

The Missouri Arts Council provides support to nonprofit organizations through grants that meet its strategic goals: 1) engage people in meaningful arts experiences, 2) grow Missouri’s economy using the arts, 3) strengthen Missouri education through the arts. Missouri Arts Council funding makes quality arts programming possible in communities statewide. The Council also provides expertise in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, and artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media).

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts. 

CONTACT:  Barbara MacRobie, public information coordinator, barbara.macrobie@ltgov.mo.gov, 314-340-6852, www.missouriartscouncil.org 

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OCTOBER 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the application for Missouri's Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship is now open. Established through Senate Bill 71, sponsored by Senator David Gregory and Representative Dave Hinman, the scholarship delivers tuition support for first responders and their families.

The scholarship helps cover the cost of tuition for eligible public safety personnel and their dependent children pursuing a qualifying license, certification, or postsecondary degree from a Missouri public or independent college or university or a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) accredited training provider.

“The Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship provides support and a path toward a quality education for Missouri’s dedicated public safety professionals and their children,” said Governor Kehoe. “We know that the recruitment and retention of first responders is a major concern across our state, so that's why we are proud to invest in the future of those who have made incredible sacrifices for our communities and who help keep Missourians safe. We appreciate the members of the General Assembly for supporting this scholarship and delivering real support to first responder families.”

Full-time police officers, firefighters, paramedics, telecommunicator first responders, emergency medical technicians, and advanced emergency medical technicians with at least six years of service may be eligible to receive the scholarship. Additionally, the dependent children of those with at least 10 years of service may also qualify. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements, including be a Missouri resident and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“The Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship will offer public safety personnel and their children a cost-effective opportunity to invest in their future by earning a certificate or degree,” added Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “We are honored to extend this support to the incredibly courageous Missourians committed to protecting our citizens and communities.”

To apply, interested individuals must create an account and complete the application through the State Financial Aid Portal. In addition to the application, individuals will be required to upload and submit documentation verifying employment, Missouri residency, and other eligibility requirements.

The scholarship application and supporting documents must be submitted to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) by November 5, 2025, to be considered for the 2025-2026 school year. This covers tuition and fees for the entire academic year, including the current fall semester.

Additionally, the scholarship application for the 2026-2027 school year will be available in the State Financial Aid Portal by late October with a statutory deadline of December 15, 2025. Interested individuals will need to apply for the scholarship each academic year to be considered for the award.

For more information about the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship, visit the MDHEWD website. Detailed information about qualifying majors, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and more is available in the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship FAQs.

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OCTOBER 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine pink, beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, until sunrise on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“By shining the Capitol dome pink, the State of Missouri is reinforcing our support for every breast cancer survivor, patient, and family who knows the fight,” said Governor Kehoe. “This disease impacts the lives of so many families across Missouri, with approximately 6,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in our state. Early detection through regular screenings, along with access to treatment and support, continues to be critical in saving lives.”

Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, with nearly 1 in 8 women in the United States expected to face a diagnosis during their lifetime.

The Capitol lighting serves as a visible reminder of the importance of awareness, education, and early detection. Resources are available statewide to help Missourians access breast cancer screenings and support services. For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Show Me Healthy Women webpage.

Photos of the Capitol lighted pink this morning are available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe announced today that he has authorized the Missouri National Guard (MONG) to assist with administrative, clerical, and logistical duties at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facilities within the State of Missouri. This decision comes in response to a request for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Department of War (DOW) to ensure the resources and personnel needed to effectively enforce immigration laws and maintain operational control of the border.

Missouri National Guard service members will provide support starting October 1, 2025, by assisting with tasks such as data entry, case management, and logistical support, enabling ICE personnel to focus on core enforcement and security functions. MONG personnel who have been assigned to this mission were selected on a volunteer basis.

“Public safety, keeping Missourians safe, and upholding the rule of law is our administration's top priority,” said Governor Kehoe. “The Missouri National Guard is uniquely equipped to provide this essential administrative support, and we are confident their contributions will be invaluable to immigration enforcement efforts. Missouri is proud to join in the Trump administration's efforts to keep our state and nation secure.”

On July 25, 2025, the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth approved the duty status of DOW military personnel providing support at ICE processing facilities allowing for Title 32 duty status, which is a federally funded status under authority of the Governor. The Missouri National Guard regularly works alongside local, state, and federal agencies in support roles to ensure the safety and security of communities.

Military personnel are authorized to be on duty for this mission through September 30, 2026.

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that the State of Missouri has submitted a waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to alter Missouri's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to refocus the program and support the purchase of healthy foods.

Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-30, ordering the Director of DSS to prepare and submit a waiver to FNS to alter Missouri's SNAP program in a manner that prioritizes healthy foods and nutritional value, discourages foods that are high in added sugar and ultra processed, and supports Missouri agriculture.

“Healthy and nutritionally secure Missouri families are critical to supporting a path to self-sufficiency and, ultimately, a thriving state,” said Governor Kehoe. “Under the Trump administration, states are taking action to ensure that taxpayer dollars are better used to promote healthy, nutritious food purchases. With approximately $1.5 billion in annual SNAP benefits issued in Missouri, we must refocus our SNAP program to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is administered by the State of Missouri to provide food assistance for low-income Missouri families to supplement their grocery budgets and encourage the consumption of nutritious food essential to health and well-being.

“With this waiver request, we are looking to refocus Missouri's SNAP program to further prioritize healthy foods that truly benefit the well-being of Missouri families,” said Director Jess Bax, Missouri Department of Social Services. “I appreciate Governor Kehoe's leadership in advancing the health of Missourians and supporting Missouri agriculture. Our department is eager to begin working alongside key stakeholders, including public health and nutrition experts, SNAP beneficiaries and administrators, and related business and industry representatives on the implementation process and further incentivizing healthy food purchases.”

Governor Kehoe's executive order also calls for the Director of DSS to explore and recommend strategies to further incentivize the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and Missouri-produced meats and dairy products within the SNAP program by utilizing and enhancing existing Missouri healthy food education and access programs, such as the "Double Up Food Bucks" initiative, which provides additional financial benefits for healthy food purchases.

Governor Kehoe's executive order calls for modifications to Missouri’s SNAP program designed to refocus the program to support the purchase of a wide variety of whole and minimally processed healthy food categories, including, but not limited to:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Meat, fish, poultry, and other proteins
• Dairy products
• Whole grains and bread products
• Legumes

Governor Kehoe has also committed to exploring an additional waiver request to allow for the purchase of hot, ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken – an affordable source of protein.

Missouri is a leading national agricultural producer in a variety of food commodities that provide healthy, sustainable dietary options for Missourians.

“Incentivizing the purchase of nutritious, locally-sourced agricultural products through the SNAP program will not only support a healthier population but also strengthen Missouri's agricultural industry,” said Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Agriculture. “From farmers markets and local produce stands to grocery stores across the state, Missouri farmers and ranchers are proud to play a role in this effort to better the health and well-balanced diets of families.”

Missouri's waiver request was sent to USDA today, opening a 30-day public comment period in Missouri. As this is the first step in this process, Governor Kehoe and his cabinet welcome stakeholder engagement throughout the year-long process to refocus the SNAP program.

The estimated implementation date of Missouri's waiver, following USDA approval and extensive stakeholder engagement, would be October 1, 2026.

To view Governor Kehoe's Executive Order 25-30, click here. A copy of the initial waiver request with additional details is available here.

Updated details and waivers can be found on the DSS website at this link.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill (HB) 1 of the One Hundred Third General Assembly's Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session into law. HB 1, sponsored by Representative Dirk Deaton and Senator Rusty Black, creates provisions for redistricting federal congressional seats.

“I was proud to officially sign the Missouri First Map into law today ahead of the 2026 midterm election,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the congressional representation of states like New York, California, and Illinois. We believe this map best represents Missourians, and I appreciate the support and efforts of state legislators, our congressional delegation, and President Trump in getting this map to my desk.”

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. Governor Kehoe worked with the General Assembly to pass the Missouri First Map in HB 1, a more compact, contiguous map that was created by Governor Kehoe's team.

Highlights of the Missouri First Map:

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

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, which will be placed on the ballot for voter approval.

Additional information on the map will be available at this link through the Office of Administration's Redistricting Office. For more information on HB 1, visit house.mo.gov.

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