JUNE 10, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill (SB) 81 into law in a significant move to strengthen public safety across Missouri.

“Public safety remains one of our top priorities, and with this bill, we are reinforcing that with real action,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “From improving oversight and licensing to supporting law enforcement and victims of childhood abuse, this legislation gives the state the tools it needs to strengthen public safety measures.”

SB 81 is a comprehensive public safety package that includes a variety of provisions aimed at reinforcing criminal background checks, modernizing fireworks regulations, supporting families of law enforcement officers, continuing funding for emergency response preparedness, and strengthening protections for victims of childhood sexual abuse. SB 81, sponsored by Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Tim Taylor, includes the following provisions:

• License Reciprocity for Law Enforcement Spouses: Adds spouses of law enforcement officers to the list of individuals who receive expedited reciprocity for their occupational licenses.
• Line of Duty Compensation Sunset Extension: Extends the sunset of the Line of Duty Compensation Act to December 31, 2031. The Line of Duty Compensation Act is for public safety officers who have tragically died in the line of duty. This extension continues to award the family of the fallen safety officer with $25,000, which could be used for any number of financial needs.
• Expanding Criminal Background Checks: In response to a 2021 FBI policy change, SB 81 gives statutory authority to numerous state board and agencies to allow fingerprint-based criminal background checks. This permits Missouri to continue processing background checks as usual, ensuring that individuals are properly vetted to serve the public.
• Missouri Emergency Response Commission (MERC) Fee Extension: Reauthorizes vital fee collections to ensure Missouri remains prepared for hazardous material-related emergencies.
• Modernizing Fireworks Regulations: Updates Missouri’s fireworks laws to match current national safety standards and gives the State Fire Marshal oversight to inspect facilities, enforce compliance, and ensure safe public displays.
• Trey’s Law: Authorizes that NDAs signed after August 28, 2025, shall no longer be enforceable for childhood sexual abuse actions brought and broadens the list of criminal acts that qualify as “childhood sexual abuse” under civil law.

For more information on SB 81, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

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JUNE 10, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has announced that President Donald J. Trump has approved two additional requests from the State of Missouri for major disaster declarations in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that impacted the state, this time for events that occurred on April 29 and May 16.

“We are grateful for President Trump acting quickly to get vitally needed federal assistance to the thousands of Missourians hit hard by the violent severe weather that struck our state and who are now struggling to rebuild their lives and homes,” Governor Kehoe said. “We urge all eligible residents to apply now. The faster you apply, the faster you will receive assistance.”

Individual Assistance:

The President's actions, which follow Governor Kehoe’s May 25 request, make Individual Assistance available to eligible residents in the City of St. Louis, and St. Louis and Scott counties impacted by the May 16 storms. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

Individuals who sustained damage or losses due to the May 16 severe weather may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. They can also download the FEMA app to apply. Affected individuals are encouraged to document losses, photograph damage, and retain receipts. The faster Missourians register with FEMA, the faster they may be able to receive assistance.

The deadline for most Individual Assistance programs is 60 days following the President’s major disaster declaration. Disaster assistance to eligible individuals generally falls into the following categories:

• Housing Assistance may be available for up to 18 months for displaced persons whose residences were heavily damaged or destroyed. Funding also can be provided for housing repairs and replacement of damaged items to make homes habitable.
• Disaster Grants are available to help meet other serious disaster related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance and other aid programs. These may include replacement of personal property, and transportation, medical, dental, and funeral expenses.
• Low-Interest Disaster Loans are available after a disaster for homeowners and renters from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover uninsured property losses. Loans may be available for repair or replacement of homes, automobiles, clothing, or other damaged personal property. SBA loans are also available to businesses for property loss and economic injury. Businesses can visit sba.gov or call 1-800-569-2955.
• Other Disaster Aid Programs include crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid and assistance with income tax, Social Security, and veterans’ benefits.

Public Assistance:

The President's actions also make the FEMA Public Assistance program available to local governments and qualifying nonprofits for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of emergency response costs and debris removal.

For the April 29 storms, public assistance is available in the following six counties: Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, and Washington.

The Governor’s May 19 request for the April 29 storms included more than $16.5 million in Public Assistance qualifying expenses already identified through joint Preliminary Damage Assessments conducted with FEMA. FEMA Individual Assistance was not requested for these storms.

For the May 16 storms, Public Assistance is available in the City of St. Louis, and St. Louis and Scott counties.

The Governor’s May 25 request for the May 16 storms included more than $57.9 million in Public Assistance qualifying expenses already identified and at least $18.7 million in qualifying Individual Assistance needs already identified through joint Preliminary Damage Assessments conducted with FEMA.

For more information on the federal disaster declaration process, visit this link.

For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

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

May 16 Storms

Status: Major Disaster Declaration Approved

May 23 - 26 Storms

Status: FEMA currently participating in joint damage assessments

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JUNE 4, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe amended his call to convene the One Hundred Third General Assembly in the First Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session to include legislation that provides additional tools and funding for disaster relief, new property tax relief, a tax incentive program for economic development, and additional funding for critical budget appropriations.

The Governor's special message to the General Assembly issued today replaces the previous call issued on May 27, 2025.

"After productive conversations with members of the Missouri General Assembly this week, we are amending our special session call to allow for additional legislation in the areas of disaster relief, tax policy, and budget investments," said Governor Kehoe. "We appreciate legislators working together to use this as an opportunity to show up for our communities by acting swiftly to help those in crisis, while also making smart decisions that secure opportunity for the future."

The call now authorizes the General Assembly to:

1. Enact legislation establishing a tax credit against an individual’s income tax liability for the insurance deductible incurred as a direct result of a disaster for which a presidential disaster declaration has been requested by the Governor, up to an amount of five thousand dollars per homestead per year; the credit to be non-refundable and to be issued only for tax year 2025 with a first-come first-served redemption cap of $90,000,000 tax year 2025 and a $45,000,000 redemption cap for tax years 2026 through 2054; and

2. Enact legislation enhancing the utility of the Missouri Housing Trust Fund in areas included in a request for presidential disaster declaration by the Governor by (1) expanding eligibility to include persons or families whose household adjusted gross income is equal to or less than 75% of the median family income in the geographic area in which the residential unit is located, or the median family income for the state of Missouri, whichever is larger, and (2) removing administrative burdens and costs to expedite support for such persons and families; and

3. Appropriate money to the Department of Economic Development for the Missouri Housing Development Commission for general administration of affordable housing activities and for emergency aid in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund transferred to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, section 28 of the Missouri Constitution for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026; and

4. Appropriate money to the appropriate department or departments for a Disaster Relief Fund to provide relief from a disaster for which a presidential declaration has been requested by the Governor in an amount transferred not to exceed $100,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, Section 28 of the Missouri Constitution for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026; and

5. Enact legislation providing relief from residential real estate property tax for households that have become uninhabitable due to damage incurred as a direct result of a disaster for which a presidential disaster declaration has been requested by the Governor, to be pro-rated for the portion of 2025 in which the household of 2025 in which the household is uninhabitable; and

6. Enact legislation limiting increases in property tax assessments for residential real property in 2025 to no more than five percent compared to the prior year, with exceptions for new construction and improvements; and

7. Appropriate money to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development for the University of Missouri for the planning, design and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) on the Columbia campus, in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 from the General Revenue Fund, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, section 28 of the Missouri Constitution for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026; and

8. Enact legislation providing for procedures, withholding of county moneys by the Director of Revenue, remedies, and judicial review where the State Tax Commission issues an order requiring a county to equalize or modify assessments; and

9. Enact legislation authorizing counties to impose a tax credit for increases in real property tax liabilities over five percent per year; and

10. Appropriate money from funds other than the General Revenue Fund for purposes provided for in the Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 19 in the 2025 regular legislative session, to be expended only as provided in Article IV, section 28 of the Missouri Constitution for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026; and

11. Enact legislation modifying tax credits for sporting events; and

12. Enact legislation establishing economic development incentives for athletic and entertainment facility projects of a professional sports franchise that is a member of Major League Baseball or the National Football League; and

13. Add an emergency clause to necessary legislation enacted by the One Hundred Third General Assembly of the State of Missouri in the First Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session; and

14. Such additional and other matters as may be recommended by the Governor by special message to the General Assembly after it shall have been convened. 
 

To view the special message to the General Assembly, visit this link. 

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JUNE 3, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure and response costs in Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Vernon and Webster counties after severe storms, straight-line winds, excessive rain, large hail and flooding caused heavy damage there from May 23 through May 26.   

“The long Memorial Day weekend brought four consecutive days of damaging severe storms and flooding to southwest Missouri and led to the destruction of public infrastructure and emergency response costs that are well-beyond the capacity of Dade, Douglas, Ozark, Vernon, and Webster counties,”  Governor Kehoe said. “Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) personnel have been working with local officials as they have been preparing initial damage estimates and we believe the destruction requires joint reviews by FEMA, SEMA, and our local partners, in anticipation for a request for a federal disaster declaration.”

Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, June 10, three teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including debris removal and repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals in areas of the state affected by this spring’s destructive severe weather. If you have damage, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible.

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, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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JUNE 2, 2025

By Governor Mike Kehoe

This special session is about showing up for our communities—from the families across our state picking up the pieces after devastating storms, to the employees and small businesses whose livelihoods depend on the jobs and economic activity provided by the sports franchise businesses on the western side of our state. It’s about proving that we can act swiftly to help those in crisis, while also making smart decisions that secure opportunity for the future.

The General Assembly achieved so much for our state this spring, so I am both thankful for their efforts and optimistic that we can work together to use this rare opportunity to benefit the future of our state. Because helping Missourians today—and building the kind of future they deserve tomorrow—isn’t just possible; it’s the kind of leadership Missourians expect from us.

Disaster Relief

Every storm reveals what matters most and who we are here for. We’ve seen firsthand how Missourians weather hardships and show up for their neighbors with courage and compassion. Now, it’s our turn to meet that same standard. We have the chance to pull together – not as rivals, but as public servants united by purpose.

In this special session, we are asking legislators to take direct action to provide financial relief and housing assistance to those affected by natural disasters across our state. One key provision is a new income tax deduction—capped at $5,000 per household per disaster—for insurance deductibles paid by homeowners and renters in disaster-affected areas.

We’re also strengthening support for those in need by expanding eligibility for emergency grants and rental assistance through the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). If passed by the General Assembly, the income eligibility threshold for these grants would be expanded from 50% to 75% of the regional Area Median Income. MHDC would also receive an additional $25 million appropriation to support the expanded disaster relief grands.

Business Retention

Sports teams have tremendous value beyond any financial measure. Our efforts are about retaining jobs, protecting local businesses, and preserving major economic drivers that benefit not just Kansas City, but the entire state.

The Show Me Sports Investment Act is a step in the right direction for economic stability and job retention through tax credits and bonds that are performance-based and capped to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals right here in Missouri where they belong.

Let me be clear: We are not handing out blank checks to billionaires.

The legislation allows teams to independently bond money from the state based on the taxes they already contribute. Only money generated by the sports teams can be used to repay the bond and any new or existing revenue above the bond payment will go to the state as it currently stands. Finally, this legislation gives each team a one-time $50 million tax credit if they first spend $500 million of their own dollars on renovating their stadium.

If we fail to act, Missouri stands to lose thousands of jobs and millions in annual revenue. This isn’t a giveaway—it’s a strategy to ensure Missouri remains competitive with other states that would gladly take this opportunity for themselves.

Budgetary Responsibility

This special session call also contains critical appropriations that didn’t make it across the finish line in the regular session, including $25 million in General Revenue funds for the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). The MURR has developed life-saving medicines for patients around the world, and Missouri is proud to be home to this incredible nuclear resource.

We are also asking the General Assembly to appropriate funding from funds other than the General Revenue for various projects such as a new 200-bed mental health hospital in Kansas City, a new crime lab in Highway Patrol Troop E, new livestock and stalling barns at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, and various projects at parks and Missouri National Guard facilities across the state.

We are not asking the General Assembly to forgive and forget the actions taken by members of an opposing party or chamber. Instead, we are asking them to set those feelings aside to get to work on issues that matter to the people we serve.

We understand that tension doesn’t vanish with the gavels that close one session and open another. It lingers – in priorities left unresolved and personal strains that follow difficult debates. As a former legislator, I know it can be tough to move on from these moments. The echoes of disagreements still ripple beneath the surface. But we must turn the page.

A special session is not just a procedural tool – it’s an invitation to rise above all the noise. It’s a chance to demonstrate that principled public servants can come together with resolve to do what’s right. Leadership isn’t proven by how loudly we defend our corners, but by how we willingly find solutions that work. Missourians are watching, and they’re ready for us to meet the moment.

This special session isn’t just another item on the legislative calendar to check off – it’s a moment Missouri simply cannot afford to coast through. There are families still waiting for relief, jobs hanging in the balance, and communities counting on us to make wise, forward-thinking investments that won’t just fix short-term, hot-button problems – but shape a stronger future.

It’s time to rise above the noise and govern with the people in mind. Because Missourians didn’t send us here to work for ourselves. We’re here to serve them.

MAY 27, 2025

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

Hattie Davis, of Marble Hill, was appointed as the Bollinger County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Davis currently serves as Acting Bollinger County Circuit Clerk, a position for which she has been serving since March. She brings experience from her previous roles in the Office of State Courts Administration, where she served as Senior Court Clerk, and the Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, where she served as an Administrative Assistant. Ms. Davis is active in the Marble Hill Optimist Club and previously supported families through the U.S. Army's Family Readiness Group.

Rodney McKinney, of Marthasville, was appointed as the Warren County Prosecuting Attorney.

Mr. McKinney currently serves as an attorney at law at his own firm, the Law Office of Rodney McKinney, which he has operated since 2008. He previously served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Franklin County and as an assistant public defender in the City of St. Louis. In addition to his legal duties, Mr. McKinney is a member of the Missouri Bar and the Franklin County Bar Association and volunteered with the Franklin County Treatment Court from 2013-2020. He holds a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law, where he graduated cum laude and was a member of law review, and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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MAY 27, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he has issued an official call for a special session aimed at providing resources to families affected by recent severe storm systems, driving economic development through a tax incentive program, and making critical budget appropriations that will impact Missourians across the state.

The General Assembly will convene for the First Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session in Jefferson City on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to begin considering Governor Kehoe's priorities.

“We are proud of all that the General Assembly accomplished during the regular legislative session, but there is still work left to be done,” said Governor Kehoe. “We call on legislators to use this special session as a rare opportunity to support our vulnerable neighbors in their time of need, drive economic development, and make transformative investments in our state. This work is too important to leave unfinished."

Several severe storm systems have impacted the State of Missouri over the recent months, resulting in loss of life as well as significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Governor Kehoe’s call for a special session includes legislation to assist Missouri families impacted by recent severe storm systems in areas included in a request for presidential disaster declaration filed by the Governor. The call includes:

• Legislation establishing an income tax deduction for insurance policy deductibles incurred by homeowners and renters due to damages caused by severe weather.
  • Deductions shall not exceed $5000 per household per disaster in any calendar year.
• Legislation enhancing the utility of the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, by expanding eligibility and removing administrative burdens and costs to expedite aid for Missouri families with Disaster Housing Response Grants.
• Appropriating $25 million to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund for for general administration of affordable housing activities and to expand income eligibility for emergency aid.

To help retain major sports teams in Missouri, Governor Kehoe is calling on the General Assembly to enact legislation establishing economic development tools for athletic and entertainment facility projects of professional sports franchises through the Show Me Sports Investment Act. The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are Missouri’s teams that drive billions of dollars in economic activity through tourism, job creation, and small businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail. The impact of retaining these teams includes:

• The Kansas City Chiefs contribute $575 million annually in economic value and over 4,500 jobs in Jackson County alone, bringing the State of Missouri nearly $30 million in annual tax revenue.
• A new Royals ballpark district is expected to support 8,400 jobs and generate $1.2 billion in economic output annually.  

Governor Kehoe’s call also includes:

• Enacting legislation to extend the sunset date on tax credits for amateur sporting events.
• Appropriating $25 million for the University of Missouri for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR).
• Appropriating funding from funds other than the General Revenue Fund for purposes provided for in the Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 19 in the 2025 regular legislative session.

The special session proclamation can be found here. 

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MAY 26, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and six southeast Missouri counties – Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne – in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that devastated these areas on May 16, claiming seven lives and causing widespread destruction of homes, businesses and public infrastructure.

“Just as our first responders, citizens, and faith-based and volunteer organizations have responded with great dispatch and compassion, our state and local emergency management teams have quickly assessed and documented the overwhelming destruction of the May 16 severe storms. It is abundantly clear that Missouri families need rapid federal assistance to rebuild homes and lives, and to continue moving forward,” Governor Kehoe said. “We are requesting federal assistance to quickly get needed funds flowing to individuals and families as we prepare to document the need for federal assistance to remove debris and repair damaged infrastructure in the days ahead.” 

Based on the documented damage obtained by joint federal, state and local teams on May 21 and 22, Governor Kehoe yesterday sent a letter requesting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance for Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne counties and the independent City of St. Louis related to the destruction caused by the severe storm systems that produced tornadoes, straight-line winds, large hail, heavy rains, flooding, and flash flooding in the state on May 16. 

FEMA Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

As part of the state’s continuing support to the City of St. Louis, on May 24, Governor Kehoe announced that the Missouri National Guard will activate and deploy up to 41 members of the 35^th Engineer Brigade to the affected area of St. Louis to support the key mission of debris removal and sorting in support of St. Louis City’s recovery timeline. The city’s request to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for the Guard’s debris removal support was received on the evening of May 23. Service members are scheduled to be on site starting on Wednesday, May 28. Since May 20, a Missouri National Guard Liaison Officer (LNO) has been assisting the City of St. Louis with evaluating and advising local officials on potential appropriate missions.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org 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, visit recovery.mo.gov.

State’s Pursuit of Federal Public Assistance Continues to Move Forward

Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams are scheduled to review and document damage to public infrastructure damage, and emergency response and debris removal costs in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and Scott County beginning on May 28, in anticipation of the Governor seeking federal Public Assistance for those jurisdictions. If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

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 and Executive Order 25-23.

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MAY 24, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Missouri National Guard will activate and deploy up to 41 engineering personnel to the affected area of St. Louis to support the key mission of debris removal and sorting to support tornado recovery operations.

Members of the 35^th Engineer Brigade are preparing to execute missions next week in support of the City’s recovery timeline. Service members are scheduled to be on site starting on Wednesday, May 28.

"Through this deployment, the State of Missouri is further assisting the City of St. Louis in recovery efforts following the devastating May 16 storms," Governor Kehoe said. "We are thankful for the efforts of the men and women of the Missouri National Guard in this mission. Recovery will take time, but our state agencies remain committed to partnering with local officials to assist affected residents and businesses."

Since Tuesday, May 20, a Missouri National Guard Liaison Officer (LNO) has been assisting the City of St. Louis with evaluating and advising local officials on potential appropriate missions. This deployment follows the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) receiving a request for the debris removal assistance from the City of St. Louis last night. Debris removal is a key element following a large scale disaster as it allows other aspects of the recovery to proceed.

The Engineer Task Force will provide a Liaison Officer as a part of the County Emergency Operations Center team, and an Emergency Debris Clearance & Emergency Route Construction Package. Engineer Teams on ground will support residential debris collection sites in St. Louis City, along with assistance in sorting, loading, transporting, and removal of debris from collection sites to the landfill. The operations currently plan for four sites, with additional details of exact locations still being finalized between the city officials and emergency managers.

Missouri National Guard Engineer support is in partnership with St. Louis Parks, Recreation and Forestry and other city entities for operating fenced residential debris collection sites in St. Louis City-affected storm areas. The four city owned sites will each have one of the medium clearance teams to augment on-site city-managed operations. Daily operations of the four sites will occur from 8:00am -7:00pm seven days per week.

National Guard support is currently planned for a two-week operating period commencing on May 28 through June 11, at which time support operations will transition to City- or SEMA-sourced long-term support solution.

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 and Executive Order 25-23.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org 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, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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MAY 23, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has agreed to participate in joint assessments of damage to public buildings and infrastructure as well as the cost of debris removal in St. Louis City and St. Louis and Scott counties as a result of the May 16 severe storms and tornadoes.

“The joint preliminary damage assessment (PDA) teams that reviewed the damage to homes and personal property this week worked extremely efficiently to document the destruction that we are confident will lead to a federal Major Disaster Declaration to assist individuals and families,” Governor Kehoe said. “Now, we will be jointly cataloguing the same type of evidence to support a potential request to FEMA for necessary funding to rebuild and restore the infrastructure our citizens rely on.”    

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local officials in each community. Beginning Wednesday, May 28, six teams will survey and verify damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested from FEMA. Public Assistance to local governments and qualifying nonprofits helps with the cost of debris removal; the repair of damaged roads, public buildings and other public infrastructure; and the reimbursement of emergency response costs.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

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