JULY 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed five pieces of legislation into law: Senate Bills (SB) 28 and 396, and House Bills (HB) 105, 169, and 974.

"Today, we were proud to sign five bills that will benefit businesses and local governments across our state," said Governor Kehoe. "Thank you to the men and women of the General Assembly for sending many pieces of quality legislation to my desk this session. We look forward to signing even more legislation that improves the lives of Missourians next week."

SB 28, sponsored by Senator Jason Bean and Representative Donnie Brown, modifies provisions relating to transportation.

• Adds retired law enforcement and judicial members to the confidential motor vehicle and drivers licensing records statute.
• Requires motor vehicle sales taxes to be paid before a temporary tag can be issued. This now includes transactions between individuals and through out-of-state dealers.
  • The effective date of this is delayed until the Missouri Department of Revenue's (DOR) Motor Vehicle and Driver License System is completed.
• Modifies specialty license plate provisions, including creating a new United States Space Force military specialty license plate.
• Places vehicle, boat, and powersports dealers on a level playing field in regards to the fees they are required to remit to DOR.

SB 396, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown and Representative Brad Banderman, authorizes the board of trustees of a consolidated public library district to change the dates of the fiscal year.

• Allows the board of trustees of a consolidated library district to select a different fiscal year structure than the state fiscal year calendar.

HB 105, sponsored Representative Jeff Vernetti and Senator Mike Bernskoetter, authorizes the conveyance of certain state property.

• Outlines the deed property language for the conveyance of the Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to the city of Osage Beach, giving Osage Beach more freedom and flexibility to make improvements without grant funding.
• Conveys two tracts of land from the site of the former Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A Headquarters located in Lee’s Summit. The land will be conveyed from the State of Missouri to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the purpose of a new intersection, allowing the outer roads and city streets to be received by Lee’s Summit once the new bridge and intersection is completed.
• Outlines the deed property language for conveying a tract of land in Webster County from the State of Missouri to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, allowing for improvements to increase road safety by reducing conflict points, decreasing congestion, and replacing aging infrastructure.

HB 169, sponsored by Representative Donnie Brown and Senator Jason Bean, modifies provisions relating to cotton trailers.

• Redefines “cotton trailers,” increasing the allowed maximum speed to 70 MPH from 40 MPH.
• Updates specific hauling requirements for cotton trailers to align with modern technological advancements.

HB 974, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and Senator Sandy Crawford, establishes provisions relating to insurance for certain uses of motor vehicles.

• Implements the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model language related to cyber security standards on insurance companies, aimed at protecting consumer data.
• Implements the National Council of Insurance Legislators model language related to peer-to-peer driving rental services.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.

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JULY 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe shared the following updates on the State of Missouri’s support for communities recovering from the severe weather and flooding that has affected much of the state in 2025.  

"Our state team members have done an outstanding job this year, working shoulder to shoulder with local counterparts to aid Missouri families and businesses recovering from an unprecedented string of damaging storms,” Governor Kehoe said. “These efforts—along with the work of our faith-based and volunteer disaster response partners, and the federal disaster support approved by President Trump—are making a tremendous difference as we move forward together as a state.”

On Monday, Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-27 extending a State of Emergency in Missouri through August 31, 2025. The extension will help further assist with disaster recovery efforts, as additional flooding and severe storms occurred in Southwest Missouri over this past weekend. Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22, Executive Order 25-23, and now Executive Order 25-27.

Some recent highlights on the state's response include:

• More than $22 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) assistance has been provided to over 4,600 families in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis, and Scott counties. This funding follows President Trump’s June 9 approval of a federal Major Disaster Declaration for the May 16 tornado and severe storms that devastated parts of Missouri.
• During the activation of the Missouri National Guard to the City of St. Louis, guard members supported debris management collection at four drop-off sites and hauled hundreds of dump truck loads to the landfill. This support enabled the city and its residents to remove the equivalent of well over 200 football fields piled one foot high with debris.
• On June 14, Governor Kehoe signed Senate Bill 1 into law after the special session, allocating $100 million to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for disaster relief to help the City of St. Louis recover from the May 16 tornado that damaged or destroyed thousands of homes.
• More than $3.8 million in FEMA/SEMA assistance has been provided to over 750 households impacted by the March 14-15 storms and wildfires in Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Wayne, Webster, and Wright counties. President Trump approved Governor Kehoe’s federal Major Disaster Request for this disaster on May 21.
• Currently eight Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open for residents impacted by the May 16 or March 14-15 severe storms to help with disaster assistance applications, answer questions, and upload required documents. Search Missouri locations at fema.gov/DRC. The fastest way to apply is at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If residents were impacted March 14-15, the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is July 22. For those impacted on May 16, the deadline is August 11.

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JULY 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that 201 Missouri counties, cities, and towns have received the Missouri Blue Shield designation in recognition of their dedication to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement, and building sustainable public safety partnerships. 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.

Following the Governor's approval of Fiscal Year 2026 budget funding yesterday, the Blue Shield communities are now able to tap into a $10 million dollar fund for grants for law enforcement training, equipment, and technology.

“I’ve said from day one that improving public safety is the top priority of our administration and the response of communities, large and small, across our state shows that Missourians want to have safer streets and support law enforcement,” Governor Kehoe said. “Now, all 201 of the Blue Shield communities will be able to apply for funding through the Missouri Department of Public Safety to further bolster public safety through grants for training, equipment, and technology.”

A total of 60 counties, 137 cities and four towns were approved as Blue Shield communities after applying by June 1 to the Department of Public Safety. A map of Blue Shield communities and the full list of approved jurisdictions is available here.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) is administering the Blue Shield Program and opened grant applications today, the beginning of State Fiscal Year 2026. Communities may spend grant funds for any combination of training, equipment, or technology for their law enforcement agencies to strengthen public safety. Eligible expenditures include ballistic vests, body-worn cameras, security and surveillance systems, gunshot detection technology, and crime analytics software. The $10 million will be split equally among approved Blue Shield applicants.

“We knew going into this that there was overwhelming support for law enforcement among Missourians and high interest in building stronger alliances between law enforcement and the communities they serve, but the response to the Blue Shield Program has been even stronger than we anticipated,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “We are looking forward to receiving funding proposals from the 201 communities and our DPS team will be processing grant applications quickly.”

Blue Shield counties, cities, and towns must maintain their commitments each year 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.

Among the Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria were:

• 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 Year One.png

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JUNE 30, 2025

Jefferson City — Delivering on his promise to present Missourians with a reasonable, conservative budget that continues to secure Missouri’s future, today Governor Mike Kehoe signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state operating and capital improvement budget bills. Governor Kehoe’s action to deliver a $50.8 billion budget includes 208 vetoes, totaling nearly $300 million in general revenue, and 32 expenditure restrictions, totaling $211 million in general revenue.

The budget sent to the Governor's Office added 450 items and nearly $775 million in additional spending beyond the Governor’s original budget recommendation. This excessive spending requires decisive action, particularly when combined with reduced pandemic federal dollars, broad tax cuts that benefit Missourians, and the undeniable need for extraordinary emergency disaster relief.

"We appreciate the work of the General Assembly in getting this budget to my desk," said Governor Kehoe. "While we exercised veto authority to rein in unsustainable spending, we are proud to support funding for smart policies advancing our shared vision of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Missouri. We believe this budget reflects our commitment to limited government, fiscal discipline, and a long-term vision to support public priorities."

Approved Budgetary Spending

Prioritizing Public Safety

In his inaugural State of the State Address, Governor Kehoe emphasized that securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety. The FY26 budget includes critical law enforcement and crime prevention tools, training, and resources:

• $10 million in new funding to assist local communities who prioritize public safety with equipment and training needs through the Blue Shield Program.
• $7 million investment for fentanyl testing in wastewater systems at schools.
• $2 million in support for the Missouri sheriff’s retirement system.

For more public safety budget highlights, click here.

Emphasizing Economic Development

Missouri’s economy is driven by investing in initiatives that create jobs, enhance infrastructure, and provide critical support to families and businesses. By addressing needs such as rural roads, childcare access, and career-technical training, we foster innovation, strengthen communities, and ensure that Missouri remains a competitive and thriving state for all:

• $91 million for rural road improvements.
• $10 million to offer grant funding opportunities to support partnerships between employers, community partners, and the childcare industry to make more childcare slots available for Missouri families.
• $11 million in new funding to address equipment, space, and operational needs of career and technical centers across the state.

For more economic development budget highlights, click here.        

Bolstering Agriculture

Missouri’s agriculture industry is the backbone of the state's economy, feeding and clothing not just Missourians, but the world. To ensure the continued growth and resilience of this vital sector, Governor Kehoe is committed to investing in critical infrastructure, modernizing facilities, and supporting animal health initiatives. The FY26 budget includes:

• $55 million in bonding for Missouri State Fair facilities.
• $800,000 in ongoing funding for Missouri FFA.
• $330,871 to increase Missouri’s inspection and production capacity in the meat and poultry industry.

For more agriculture budget highlights, click here.

Strengthening Education

Governor Kehoe believes that funding our state’s education system ensures every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential while preparing Missouri’s future workforce for success. The legislature approved the following education spending:

• $376.6 million to support the state’s full reimbursement of transportation costs to school districts, including $15 million in new funding.
• $50 million in general revenue funding to bolster the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.
• $33.4 million to ensure all teachers are paid at least the statutory minimum.

For more education budget highlights, click here.

Budget Vetoes & Expenditure Restrictions

The Missouri FY26 state operating budget is approximately $50.8 billion, including $15.4 billion in general revenue. In the FY26 budget approved by the General Assembly, nearly $775 million in new general revenue spending was added above the Governor's budget recommendation, including 450 items that Governor Kehoe did not propose or went beyond his recommendation.

Additionally, the Office of Administration’s Division of Budget and Planning estimates a nearly $1 billon shortfall in general revenue starting in FY27. Contributing to this shortfall, ongoing general revenue spending authorized in the FY26 budget is projected to outpace ongoing revenues by over $1 billion and grow larger in future years. While Missouri currently has a general revenue fund balance to absorb some of this imbalance in the short term, the current trajectory of state-level spending grows this imbalance, exhausts any remaining surplus, and leads to the aforementioned $1 billion shortfall starting in FY27, if correction is not made.

There were also several budgetary and legislative decisions made during the 2025 Legislative Session and Extraordinary Session that were not considered in Governor Kehoe’s FY26 budget recommendation but compound the budgetary challenges the State is facing:

• Additional funding for the K-12 Foundation Formula – In his budget recommendation, Governor Kehoe proposed a $200 million increase for public education funding, representing the largest increase ever seen, and nearly 4 times larger than the average annual increase. The General Assembly chose to spend an additional $297 million on top of Governor Kehoe’s historic recommendation.
• Tax Cuts – The General Assembly approved, and Governor Kehoe has committed to signing, pro-growth legislation eliminating the income tax on capital gains, which is expected to reduce state revenues by approximately $400 million annually. Governor Kehoe supports tax cuts and is proud to return Missourians’ hard-earned dollars back to them, but the reduction in state revenues must be accounted for in current and future budget decisions.
• Disaster Relief – Unforeseen severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding have caused unprecedented damage to communities across the state. Governor Kehoe supported, and the General Assembly approved, over $210 million in extraordinary emergency disaster relief for Missourians. While the need is undeniable, the cost must still be reconciled in the budgetary process.

Governor Kehoe issued 208 vetoes, totaling nearly $300 million in general revenue. To view the complete list of budget vetoes, click here.

"As Governor, I have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget, and our administration will always follow the Constitution and rule of law," said Governor Kehoe. "We support funding for education, and have proudly championed tax cuts for hard-working Missouri families and the desperately needed resources for our fellow Missourians affected by natural disasters this spring. However, these initiatives do not come without budgetary consequences."

In addition to his vetoes in the FY26 budget, Governor Kehoe today also restricted spending on 32 budget items, totaling $211 million in general revenue, from the FY26 state operating budget. To view the complete list of expenditure restrictions, click here.

"We do not take this action lightly, but state government cannot spend beyond our means," said Governor Kehoe. "With current circumstances, the fiscally responsible and conservative thing to do is reduce spending and protect Missouri’s nationally recognized financial strength in preparation for difficult budget years ahead. These restrictions are not an indication of project worthiness – we understand their value, and that’s why we chose not to veto them. Rather, these withholds allow us to direct Missourians’ hard-earned tax dollars toward the most critical programs and projects that support Missouri families."

Governor Kehoe is taking these fiscally conservative steps now in an effort to help ease the burden of broader budget cuts required to balance the budget, a constitutional responsibility of the Missouri Governor, in FY27 and future years. Governor Kehoe and his Office of Administration's Division of Budget and Planning budget team, working alongside the General Assembly, will continue to assess Missouri’s financial outlook and evaluate the likely need for additional budget restrictions moving forward.

"We want to assure Missourians that this action is not indicative of a larger economic problem, as our economy remains strong and resilient," said Governor Kehoe. "Just as the Trump administration is reining in federal spending, the State of Missouri must do the same. While we do not have an economic problem in Missouri, we do have a spending problem in state government. By working with the General Assembly, our administration commits to the people of Missouri to get spending under control and support Missouri’s economic growth so that our fiscal outlook improves and these restrictions may be released in future years."

To view the FY26 state operating budget bills, click here.

• Governor Kehoe Signs FY26 State Operating Budget 6-30-25.jpg

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JUNE 27, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 18th Judicial Circuit.

Sean Pilliard, of Sedalia, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Pettis County in the 18th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Pilliard is a seasoned attorney specializing in a wide range of legal areas including bankruptcy, criminal defense, and family law, based in the Law Offices of Sean P. Pilliard. Pilliard is a member of the Pettis County Bar Association, Sedalia and Pettis County Economic Development, and the Sedalia Park Band board. He also serves as a volunteer for several area youth activities. Pilliard earned his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri. He will fill the vacancy left by Judge R. Paul Beard II.

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JUNE 27, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced twelve appointments to various boards and commissions.

Casey Burton, Ph.D., of St. James, was appointed to the State Board of Health and Senior Services.

Mr. Burton is the executive director of research and governmental affairs at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri. He also serves as an adjunct assistant professor of chemistry at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) where he develops and leads sponsored research involving noninvasive disease detection and characterization. Burton also serves on the boards of the Ozark Biomedical Initiative, Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Inc., Phelps County Community Resource Center, and more. Burton earned his doctorate in analytical chemistry and bachelor's in chemistry from Missouri S&T.

James Carter Jr., of St. Charles, was appointed to the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Mr. Carter currently serves as an Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter and is certified and licensed by the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters in both Illinois and Missouri. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Carter is a member of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASL), World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), and Deaf in Government (DIG). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Lincoln Christian University.

Earl Crawford, of Excelsior Springs, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Mr. Crawford currently serves as executive director at Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation. He has previous experience as a special education teacher, superintendent of a rehabilitation center, and an education consultant, among other positions. In addition to his professional experience, Crawford has served on the Marshall Parks and Recreation Board, Marshall School Board, Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Valley College Board of Trustees, and Midland Empire Resources of Independent Living (MERIL), as well as vice president of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Master of Special Education from the University of Central Missouri.

Betty Davidson, Ph.D., of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Governor's Council on Disability.

Ms. Davidson is a retired educational professional and expert in disability studies and inclusive practices. She previously served as the director of visually or orthopedically impaired students at the Special School District of St. Louis County. She also  serves as the chair of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), the president of Inclusivity Media, the vice president of the St. Clare Hospital Auxiliary for SSM Health, and more. Dr. Davidson earned a doctorate in higher education from Saint Louis University, a master's in special education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and her bachelor's degree from Harris-Stowe State College. 

Aaron Durso, of Taneyville, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Mr. Durso currently serves as Bull Creek Village Clerk. He has previous experience as burough manager and the municipal authority manager in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, and Senior Pastor at LOVE Christian Fellowship. A disabled veteran of the United States Air Force, Durso was honorably discharged in 1993. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Newburg Theological Seminary, Master of Ministry at Chesapeake Theological Seminary, and Bachelor of Religious Education at the University of Valley Forge.

Ronald Hack, of Sunset Hills, was reappointed to the Governor's Council on Disability.

Mr. Hack is a retired lawyer, formerly serving as a partner at Evans & Dixon, LLC and Gallop Johnson & Neuman, L.C. He has been an active community volunteer for more than 30 years, currently serving on the boards of the Sunset Hills Conservation Foundation and the Southwest Area Chamber of Commerce. Hack earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College.

Katie Jones, of St. Peters, was reappointed to the Governor's Council on Disability.

Ms. Jones is the chief program officer for Boone Center Inc. (BCI). She previously worked as supervisor for Cardinal Ritter Senior Services and a case manager for the Child Abuse and Neglect Unit for the Division of Family Services. In addition to her professional career, Jones is also a member of the Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services, Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers, and the Legislative Committee of St. Charles Coalition. Jones earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Sociology from Lindenwood University.

Jennifer Meyer, of O’Fallon, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Ms. Meyer currently serves as principal at J. Meyer Strategies. She has previous experience as director of field operations for Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer and district field director for Senator Roy Blunt. In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Meyer serves as an executive board member for both the Freedom 13 and the North County Police Business Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Susan Orton, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Ms. Orton currently serves as a realtor and sales associate with Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is a member of the St. Louis Realtors Association, Member Inclusion Advisory Committee, and Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Orton is a graduate of Towson High School.

Paul Ogier, of Chesterfield, was appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri.

Mr. Ogier is a retired certified public accountant (CPA), providing limited consulting services to not-for-profits in the senior housing industry. He also serves as the chief financial officer for the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in a part-time capacity. Ogier is an active member of his community, previously serving on the board of the Leading Age Missouri, Missouri Health Care Association, and the Treasurer of the Nursing Facilities Agent Corporation. Ogier earned his bachelor's degree from the Missouri State University.

Jill Wedemeier, of Leopold, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Wedemeier is a judicial assistant and law clerk for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. She previously served as the Cape Girardeau assistant prosecuting attorney. She is an active member of the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence board, and the Leopold R-III School District Foundation. Wedemeier earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Southeast Missouri State University.

Claire West, of Jefferson City, was reappointed to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) Board of Trustees.

Prior to her retirement, Ms. West owned and operated Claire West Consulting LLC, a retirement consulting firm. She has previous experience as executive director of the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement. Additionally, West served on the board of the Missouri Association of Public Employee Retirement Plans from 2000 to 2007. She holds an associate’s degree in business from Columbia College.

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JUNE 26, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed a designation bill in Branson, recognizing the city as the "Live Entertainment Capital of Missouri." Senate Bill (SB) 348 includes 46 additional designations recognizing a wide array of people, places, and causes across the state.

Provisions in the bill include honorary awareness days, weeks, and months; city and town titles; and the naming of roads and bridges in honor of individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities — including several Missourians who have fallen in the line of duty.

"We appreciate the efforts of legislators to honor and recognize the people, places, and causes that are important to their constituents," said Governor Kehoe. "For decades, Branson has welcomed millions of visitors with world-class music, performances, and family entertainment. I was proud to sign this legislation in Branson today as we recognize the people and stories behind each of these designations."

For more information on SB 348, visit senate.mo.gov. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

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JUNE 23, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, at a press conference in St. Louis, Governor Mike Kehoe announced his appointments to the citizen-led St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners. The board, established by the passage of landmark public safety legislation in House Bill (HB) 495, is charged to be the governing body of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD).

“This board represents a renewed commitment to public trust and local oversight,” said Governor Kehoe. “By bringing together respected voices from across the city who support the men and women of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, we are ensuring that public safety efforts reflect the needs, values, and concerns of the people of St. Louis and the department. These appointments mark a significant move toward transparency, collaboration, and a safer future for the city.”

The six-member board includes the St. Louis City Mayor Cara Spencer, who will participate with full voting authority, four governor-appointed voting members who are residents of the city, and one governor-appointed non-voting commissioner who either resides or owns property in the city.

Governor Kehoe’s appointments include the following individuals:

• Brad Arteaga is a successful entrepreneur in St. Louis City, serving as the president and owner of Arteaga Photos Ltd., BAKM LLC., and Arteaga LLC. In addition to his proven track record of managing and growing successful businesses, Arteaga has decades of active leadership and service on multiple civic and community boards including the St. Louis City Judicial Committee, Dismas House of St. Louis, Friends of Frances Park, and more. Arteaga will serve a one-year term as a voting member of the board.
• Donald "Don" Brown is lifelong St. Louis resident and experienced automotive executive, currently serving as the Dealer Operator of Don Brown Chevrolet. With a career spanning more than four decades, Brown has held leadership roles across multiple dealerships and has been deeply involved in the community through various boards including the 3rd Police District Business Association, the Better Business Bureau, and the Friends of Kids Board of Directors. Brown will serve a four-year term as the non-voting member of the board.
• Sonya Jenkins-Gray is a nationally recognized human resources executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. She previously served as the director of human resources for the City of St. Louis, overseeing HR operations for more than 5,000 employees. She also previously served on the board of Mound City Bar Foundation and is currently the chairperson for the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Jenkins-Gray will serve a two-year term as a voting member of the board.
• Edward McVey is a seasoned business owner and operator of Maggie O'Brien's Restaurant and Irish Pub in St. Louis, where he has led operations since 2008. With expertise in contract negotiation, strategic planning, and team leadership, McVey has built a strong track record of business development and community engagement. He is active in local organizations including the St. Patrick's Center and the St. Louis Boys and Girls Club. McVey will serve a three-year term as a voting member of the board.
• Chris Saracino is the owner-operator of Bartolino's Hospitality Group, which includes several full-service restaurants across the city. He is also the co-founder of Campbell Security and Services Group, serving households and communities throughout Missouri. Saracino has held several leadership roles with the Hill Business Association, The Hill 2000 Neighborhood Association, and the St. Louis Regional Sports Authority. He also prioritizes community service as an active member of several charitable organizations including the Kiwanis Club of St. Louis City and the Italian Open Charities. Saracino will serve a four-year term as a voting member of the board.

The board will begin work immediately, with the assistance of Transition Director Derek Winters, to ensure an orderly and responsible implementation period, without disruption to residents of the city and commissioned and civilian personnel of the SLMPD. During the implementation period, the commissioners will work to determine the board's policies for meetings and bylaws and begin their work in overseeing the Chief of Police and the department's policies, contracts, assets, and budgets. The day-to-day operations of the department will remain under the leadership of the Chief of Police.

All media inquiries related to the board may now be directed to the SLMPD, at media@slmpd.org. A webpage with headshot photos for the board is forthcoming.

For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the St. Louis City Police Board of Commissioners, as designated in HB 495, click here.

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JUNE 21, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested two federal disaster declarations in response to severe storms that resulted in heavy damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure in a total of eight counties in southwest Missouri this spring:

• A U.S. Small Business (SBA) Disaster Declaration to provide low interest SBA Disasters Loans for Greene, Lawrence, and Newton counties in response to severe storms, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail, and flooding that occurred on April 29; and
• A federal Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal assistance to Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Vernon, and Webster counties in response to the severe storms, straight-line winds, hail, heavy rains, and flooding that occurred throughout Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26.

“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local partners worked in close coordination with FEMA and the Small Business Administration and once again documented large amounts of costly damage and response expenditures that meet thresholds for federal assistance to these impacted areas,” Governor Kehoe said. “Today, we are requesting a federal disaster declaration for the May 23-26 storms to rebuild damaged infrastructure in five counties and low interest loans to support homeowners, renters, and businesses in the three counties hardest by the April 29 storms.”  

Joint preliminary damage assessments conducted by the SBA, SEMA, and local officials authorities documented that at least 80 homes and five businesses in Greene, Lawrence, and Newton counties sustained major damage and uninsured losses of more than 40% in the April 29 storms and warrant low interest disaster loans that would be made available through a Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration for physical and economic injury. President Donald Trump previously, on June 9, approved a federal Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance to repair and replace public infrastructure damaged in the April 29 storms, which included Greene, Lawrence and Newton counties.

Joint preliminary damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, and local officials estimated more than $18 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure in Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Vernon, and Webster counties as a result of the May 23-26 storms. The federal Major Disaster Declaration the Governor is seeking for this period would make the FEMA Public Assistance program available to local governments and qualifying nonprofits for the repair and rebuilding of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of emergency response costs and debris removal.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

The following outlines the current status of Governor Kehoe's additional federal assistance requests from this spring:

March 14 - 15 Storms

Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved

March 30 - April 8 Storms

Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved

April 29 Storms

Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved

            SBA Physical Disaster Declaration Requested on June 21

May 16 Storms

Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved

May 23 - 26 Storms

Status: Major Disaster Declaration Requested on June 21

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JUNE 18, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that Halle Herbert will assume the role of Policy Director in the Governor's Office, effective Tuesday, June 24.

“From day one, Halle has hit the ground running, bringing energy, discipline, and insight to every challenge,” Governor Kehoe said. “Halle has worked hard to lead some of our most important priorities in public safety policy and bring key initiatives across the finish line. She has a sharp policy mind, is highly capable, and our team is proud to see her step into this leadership role.”

Herbert fills the role that will be vacated by Jamie Birch, who is stepping away from the position to pursue other opportunities with Missouri State University. Birch has been an integral member of the Kehoe Administration, playing a key role on the transition team and previously serving in the Office of the Governor under the prior administration.

“It is an honor to serve in the Kehoe Administration, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to step into this position,” Herbert said. “Jamie has laid a foundation for a strong policy team, and I am especially thankful for the way she has helped prepare me for this new role.”

Herbert joined the Office of the Missouri Governor in January 2025 and currently serves as Senior Policy Advisor, where she has provided policy leadership on issues related to the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC), and the Missouri National Guard (MONG). In this role, she helped spearhead multiple multi-phase public safety initiatives, including the Governor's Safer Missouri initiative, aimed at supporting law enforcement and reducing crime across the state.

Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Herbert served as legislative director for DPS, where she represented the department before the Missouri General Assembly and acted as a liaison for the Governor’s Office. Herbert holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Missouri State University.

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