| Governor Mike Kehoe

YEAR IN REVIEW: Governor Kehoe Reflects on 2025

DECEMBER 30, 2025

Jefferson City — In 2025, the Kehoe Administration worked to advance a conservative, results-driven agenda focused on securing Missouri’s future.

Since taking office on January 13, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe took action to turn priorities into results—strengthening public safety, expanding economic opportunity, supporting Missouri agriculture, and modernizing education and workforce development—all while holding state government to a higher standard of efficiency and accountability.

“Missourians are resilient and adaptable, and they expect their government to be the same,” said Governor Kehoe. “This past year presented real challenges for our state, but I am proud of how we lead and responded—by moving with purpose and common sense to deliver results that make our state safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

This year, Missouri experienced hundreds of storms, fires, tornadoes, and floods, prompting swift, coordinated response efforts across state agencies to deliver aid, accelerate recovery, and support impacted communities. These storms led to five federal disaster declarations, more than any other state.

Governor Kehoe also convened two extraordinary legislative sessions, calling lawmakers back to Jefferson City to address urgent disaster relief, tax relief, economic opportunity, and federal representation—ensuring Missouri could act when waiting was not an option.

2025 by the Numbers

One international trade mission to expand global partnerships and attract new investment
Five federal disaster declarations that affected 41 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis
37 executive orders signed to improve public safety, streamline operations, and respond to urgent statewide need
54 bills signed into law prioritizing public safety, emphasizing economic development, bolstering agriculture, strengthening education, and more
100+ agency administrative rules cut and condensed to reduce the regulatory burden of state government
241 gubernatorial appointments to fill boards, commissions, judicial seats, and county vacancies with qualified Missourians looking to serve their communities
7,420 new jobs created through the work of the Department of Economic Development and partners

The year 2025 brought progress and action on Governor Kehoe’s four key priority areas.

Public Safety: Enforcing the Law and Securing Missouri Communities

Public safety anchored Governor Kehoe’s agenda throughout the year, reflecting his commitment to enforcing the law and supporting those who protect Missouri communities. In partnership with the General Assembly and public safety partners, the Governor signed sweeping reforms into law and launched targeted executive actions to protect communities and support first responders.

Major actions included:

Launching Operation Relentless Pursuit to strengthen intelligence-led policing and improve cross-jurisdictional coordination to arrest violent offenders, leading to more than 1,000 arrests and more than 1,800 warrants cleared to date (Executive Order 25-02)
Establishing the Blue Shield Program, delivering $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities to strengthen local law enforcement and public safety efforts (Executive Order 25-03)
Enforcing immigration laws, establishing a 287(g) partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to allow trained Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers to assist in enforcing immigration laws and targeting criminal offenders (Executive Order 25-04)
Directing the Department of Public Safety and MSHP to collect immigration status data for individuals charged with crimes in Missouri (Executive Order 25-05)
Signing the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act, expanding education incentives and benefits for first responders and their families (Senate Bill 71)
Championing major public safety legislation, benefitting law enforcement across the state and establishing a citizen board to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (House Bill 495)

Economic Development: Promoting a Pro-Business Climate

To keep Missouri competitive, Governor Kehoe advanced a pro-business agenda focused on lowering costs, reducing red tape, and attracting long-term investment.

Major actions included:

Signing major tax relief with the historic elimination of income tax on capital gains, benefiting families across Missouri (House Bill 594)
Repealing costly mandates on Missouri job creators and employers (House Bill 597)
Strengthening Missouri’s energy infrastructure, protecting consumers, and supporting long-term economic growth (Senate Bill 4)
Keeping Missouri competitive, while still protecting the best interests of taxpayers with the Show-Me Sports Investment Act (Senate Bill 3)

Agriculture: Standing with Farmers and Rural Missouri

Agriculture remained a central focus of the Kehoe Administration. The Governor’s approach to ag policy is simple: farmers know best, and government should be a partner—not an obstacle.

Major actions included:

Signing legislation to protect farmers and increase their health coverage options, preserve water resources, and strengthen rural infrastructure—reinforcing Missouri’s agricultural leadership and rural way of life (Senate Bills 79 & 82)
Investing in the next generation of agriculture leaders with historic funding for Missouri FFA
Refocusing Missouri SNAP to support the purchase of healthy foods and locally sourced agricultural products
Securing more than $216 million in federal funding for healthcare in rural communities

Education: Bolstering the Workforce of the Future

Supporting Missouri students and education in all its forms was a key priority for 2025, with critical investments and forward-thinking actions.

Major actions included:

Investing in school choice with $50 million in historic funding to the MOScholars program
Recommending an effort to rewrite to the school funding formula with the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force to ensure sustainable funding for the next generation (Executive Order 25-14)
Evaluating the state’s career technical education system to strengthen the workforce pipeline with the Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge (Executive Order 25-16)
Working to improve the regulatory environment for child care providers through an evaluation of current regulations (Executive Order 25-15)

Government Efficiency: Delivering Service at the Speed of Business

Governor Kehoe championed a culture shift inside state government—one focused on efficiency, accountability, and results rather than process for process’s sake.

Major actions included:

Prioritizing stakeholder engagement and administrative agency rulemaking focused on customer service and efficiency (Executive Order 25-13)
Eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in state agencies and ensuring compliance with the constitutional principle of equal protection under the law (Executive Order 25-18)

Looking Ahead

As Missourians look ahead to 2026, Governor Kehoe says the work of securing the state’s future continues—with a focus on public safety, economic growth, agriculture, education, and a state government that moves efficiently for the people it serves.

“Securing Missouri’s future means staying focused and staying accountable to the people we serve,” Governor Kehoe continued. “This year reminded us that growth comes from relationships, working together, and showing up for Missourians every day. We’re proud of what we were able to accomplish, but we're just getting started.”

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Governor Kehoe Secures More Than $216 Million to Strengthen Rural Healthcare in Missouri

DECEMBER 29, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced the State of Missouri has been awarded more than $216 million in funding for the first year of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, a $50 billion initiative designed to strengthen healthcare access, improve outcomes, and support innovative care in rural communities. A total of $10 billion will be awarded annually to states over the next five fiscal years.

“This historic investment by the Trump Administration will strengthen Missouri's rural communities with additional resources for high-quality, accessible healthcare,” said Governor Kehoe. “We appreciate the work of our state agencies and healthcare stakeholders in submitting a thorough and competitive plan. Through Missouri's Rural Health Transformation plan, we are supporting local partners who understand their communities and are positioned to deliver meaningful, lasting impact for future generations of Missourians.”

Announced earlier today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the first year award provides more than $216 million to DSS’s MO HealthNet Division, which is leading Missouri’s efforts to increase access to care, improve quality, enhance care coordination, and incentivize long-term sustainability to create a healthcare ecosystem that will support Missouri’s rural communities for generations to come.

“By addressing longstanding health disparities affecting rural residents through these locally driven solutions, we are helping rural providers build capacity, modernize services, and better meet the needs of Missouri patients,” said Director Jess Bax, Missouri DSS. “This investment would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts across state agencies and our external partners. The funding announced today provides Missourians with an opportunity to change the landscape of healthcare access and outcomes for our rural communities.”

The Rural Health Transformation Program emphasizes collaboration among hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations, and local leaders to develop sustainable solutions tailored to the unique needs of Missouri’s rural areas.

Awarded through a competitive process on Missouri’s ability to demonstrate innovation, community engagement, and measurable impact, Missouri’s transformative plan was completed in coordination with the Governor’s Office, DSS, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Department of Mental Health, and key healthcare stakeholders, including the Missouri Hospital Association, the Missouri Behavioral Health Council, and the Missouri Primary Care Association.

For more information on Missouri's RHT plan, please visit DSS's website and CMS’s summary for all 50 states.

For more information on CMS' Rural Health Transformation Program, visit this link.

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Governor Kehoe Announces Seven Gubernatorial Appointments

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Jefferson City — William Eckart, of Gravois Mills, was appointed to the Elevator Safety Board.

Mr. Eckart has over 40 years of experience in elevator and escalator service and repairs. He currently works as a technical compliance corporate auditor at Schindler Elevator Corporation and previously served as an adjuster for the same company in Kansas City. He holds an Elevator Supervisor Class 1 certificate from the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities and from the City of Kansas City.

Steve Hodge, of Sikeston, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Mr. Hodge has been employed by Southeast Missouri Residential Services (SEMORS) since 2000. His interest in the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council stems from his desire to help others with developmental disabilities. Hodge graduated from Doniphan High School.

Michelle Luster, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Luster is a licensed educator and cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She previously served as the owner and operator of Alternative Nail Salon and Spa for over 18 years and taught as an instructor for several years. Luster earned her cosmetology license from Debado’s Hair Academy, her cosmetology educator’s license from Elaine Steven Beauty College, and her associate's degree and teaching certification from Harris-Stowe State University.

Eddie Sargent, of Lee’s Summit, was appointed to the Elevator Safety Board.

Mr. Sargent served as a mechanic for KONE, Inc. before being elected to serve as business manager of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local #12. He holds a Missouri State Elevator License and has over 28 years of elevator experience in service, repair, and construction.

David Scott, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Elevator Safety Board.

Mr. Scott serves as the business representative of the IUEC Local #3. In addition to his work with Local #3, he is the director of the St. Louis Building Trades Wellness Coalition. He maintains elevator mechanic licenses in both Missouri and Illinois. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fontbonne University.

Craig Stevenson, of Hallsville, was reappointed to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board.

Mr. Stevenson is the manager of population health strategy for Home State Health. He previously served as the director of policy and advocacy for Kids Win Missouri. He is an active member of his community, serving on the stewardship committee for the Centralia United Methodist Church and as president of the board of education for the Hallsville R-IV Public School District. Stevenson earned his bachelor's degree in political science and his master's degree in public affairs from the University of Missouri.

David Williams, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Board of Probation and Parole.

Mr. Williams was a member of the Jefferson City Police Department, where he served for 33 years before retiring as a captain in 2025. He remains an active member of his community, serving on boards for Special Learning Center and Multipli Credit Union. Williams is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class #231. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice from Columbia College.

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Governor Kehoe, Budget Leadership Announce FY 2027 Consensus Revenue Estimate

DECEMBER 17, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe, along with Senate Appropriations Chairman Rusty Black and House Budget Chairman Dirk Deaton, announced Missouri's Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027).

The annual CRE is a figure established by state budget experts and economists from the University of Missouri and Missouri State University. It serves as one of the foundational assumptions the Governor and Missouri General Assembly use to build a balanced budget.

"We appreciate the work of our state budget team, House and Senate leaders, and our university economic experts in developing this revenue estimate to guide our budget for the next fiscal year," said Governor Kehoe. "As Governor, I have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget. While Missouri's economy remains strong and solid revenues are expected, the FY2027 budget will be challenging. Spending, not revenues, is the problem facing state government. We look forward to presenting the legislature with a responsible budget that reflects our commitment to fiscal discipline and a long-term vision for growth."

The key figure in the CRE is the projected general revenue collections. Net general revenue collections in FY2027 are expected to be $13.65 billion. This represents a 3.8 percent net general revenue growth over the estimated revenue for FY2026.

The revised estimate for FY2026, the current fiscal year, assumes a 2.1 percent decrease to $13.15 billion in net general revenue collections.

"Reaching a consensus revenue estimate is an important step in the budget process," said Senator Black, Senate Appropriations Chairman. "Once the Governor submits his budget, the Senate will diligently evaluate the proposal and work to develop a fiscally responsible budget that reflects the priorities of Missourians."

"This past session, we were proud to support critical programs and initiatives while also delivering much-needed tax relief for Missouri families, but any spending does not come without budgetary consequences,” said Representative Deaton, House Budget Chairman. "The House stands ready to work with the Governor and the Senate to deliver a sustainable budget for the people of Missouri."

Governor Mike Kehoe will deliver the 2026 State of the State Address, detailing his legislative priorities and his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

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Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of St. Charles County Ambulance District Lieutenant Sarah McCarthy

DECEMBER 16, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of St. Charles County Ambulance District Lieutenant Sarah McCarthy, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in St. Charles County and at every emergency medical service station in Missouri on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

"Lieutenant Sarah McCarthy was a dedicated first responder who spent 23 years serving patients in need as a paramedic with the St. Charles County Ambulance District," Governor Kehoe said. "Paramedics and emergency responders courageously and selflessly devote their lives to ensuring the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens, and Sarah will be remembered for her unwavering compassion for her community. Claudia and I are keeping Sarah's family, her first responder colleagues, and all who loved her in our prayers."

On November 21, Lieutenant McCarthy suffered chest pain while on-duty at St. Charles County Ambulance District Station 12 in St. Peters and was taken by colleagues via ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. On December 4, she suffered a grave setback in her recovery and was transferred to Barnes Hospital St. Louis, where she passed peacefully on December 9 with her family by her side. As a final act of service to others, Lieutenant McCarthy gave the gift of organ donation through Mid America Transplant.

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the day Lieutenant McCarthy is laid to rest. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

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Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order 25-36 Suspending Hours of Service Requirements for Residential Heating Fuel Transportation

DECEMBER 15, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-36 temporarily suspending the hours of service regulations for commercial motor vehicles transporting residential heating fuel in Missouri.

"Significant disruptions on the pipeline distribution system that supplies Missouri with critical heating fuel has resulted in transporters needing to travel farther to secure product for Missourians," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "During a time when Missourians rely on heating fuel the most, we want to ensure we're doing all we can to assist with these challenging supply issues to keep homes and businesses warm."

Executive Order 25-36 temporarily suspends regulations for motor carriers transporting residential heating fuel such as propane, natural gas, and heating oil. No other petroleum products or fuels are covered under the order.

The executive order maintains all other regulations and safety requirements associated with commercial transportation. The order will take effect immediately, and remain in effect until January 2, 2026, unless otherwise extended.

To view Executive Order 25-36, click here.

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Governor Kehoe Announces Two Gubernatorial Appointments

DECEMBER 12, 2025

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

G. David Briggs, of Kirksville, was appointed as the Schuyler County Prosecuting Attorney.

Mr. Briggs currently serves as the interim prosecuting attorney for Schuyler County and will continue to serve as the appointed Scotland County prosecuting attorney. He has been a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Adair County Bar Association for over 25 years. He also previously served as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Briggs earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri and his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

Tonya Hillhouse, of Pemiscot, was appointed as the Pemiscot County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Hillhouse is a court clerk for the Pemiscot County Circuit Clerk's Office. With over 25 years of government experience, she has also served as a clerical assistant and caseworker for the Missouri Department of Social Services. In addition to her professional career, she is also an active member of the Caruthersville Chamber of Commerce. Hillhouse received her Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist certificate from State Technical College.

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Governor Kehoe to Deliver 2026 State of the State Address

DECEMBER 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe will deliver the 2026 State of the State Address detailing his legislative priorities and his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Governor Kehoe to deliver 2026 State of the State Address

When: 3:00 p.m. (CST)

Where: Missouri State Capitol – House Chamber

Media: Open

Additional information on media accommodations and a full schedule of the day's events will be provided at a later date.

Media should contact Ben Peters at ben.peters@house.mo.gov or 573-751-4043 to arrange accommodation in the House Chamber.

The speech will be live-streamed on Governor Kehoe's Facebook page, the State of Missouri's Facebook page, and mo.gov/live. A satellite uplink with closed captioning will also be available. The link, schedule of the day’s events, and logistical details will be provided at a later date.

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Governor Kehoe Announces Five Gubernatorial Appointments

DECEMBER 5, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced five gubernatorial appointments to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Cameron Christoffer, of Shelbyville, was appointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Mr. Christoffer is a hairstylist at Cam's Cut and Curl with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. In addition to his career as a professional hairstylist, he also serves as a cosmetology and crossover instructor at Hart Career Center in Mexico. Christoffer holds a bachelor's degree in education and training from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

William Davis Jr., of Springfield, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Mr. Davis is the owner and director of Paul Mitchell The School Columbia, with nearly 45 years of experience in the cosmetology industry. He previously served as an admissions director for Paul Mitchell The School Springfield and owned Hairloom Salon in Forsyth. Davis graduated from Professional Beauty College in Springfield.

Linell Dozier, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Ms. Dozier previously served as a receptionist for Governor Matt Blunt before transitioning to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, where she remained until her retirement in 2015. A dedicated community leader, she was previously involved in the Westside Business Association and the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce for over three decades. Dozier also served as chair of the Mid-Missouri Heart Ball.

Leo Price Sr., of O’Fallon, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Mr. Price is the former owner of Desi's Sports Barber Shop and currently serves as the president of St. Charles Barber College (SCBC), where he assists and oversees several instructional programs. Pricegraduated from the Missouri School of Barbering and Hairstyling in Florissant.

Timothy Root, of Columbia, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.

Mr. Root is the owner and stylist of Root's Nouveau Salon. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field, he currently serves as the Region II Director on the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. Root earned his degree in cosmetology from the American College of Hair Design.

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Governor Kehoe to Host 2026 Governor's Prayer Breakfast

DECEMBER 5, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe and Mrs. Claudia Kehoe invite Missourians to attend the 2026 Governor's Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Jefferson City.

This year's theme, One Nation Under God, will highlight the shared values of faith and service that guide our state and nation. The event program will include prayer, musical selections, and a keynote address.

The Missouri Governor’s Prayer Breakfast is an annual faith-based event for all state leaders and citizens from across Missouri, with the purpose of seeking God’s guidance for state government leaders at the beginning of the 2026 legislative session.