FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and gold beginning Friday, February 9, 2024, in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII appearance. The dome will light red and gold each day through Sunday, February 11. 

The Chiefs bested the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 on Sunday, January 28 during their sixth straight American Football Conference Championship game appearance. The Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII, which will mark the Chiefs' fourth Super Bowl in five years.

"On this Red Friday, the state of Missouri and fans all over Chiefs Kingdom are once again celebrating our Kansas City Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl," Governor Parson said. "As the 57th Governor of Missouri, we were fortunate enough to watch our Chiefs win Super Bowl 57, and we look forward to watching them run it back for a repeat at Super Bowl 58. We're proud to call the Kansas City Chiefs Missouri's team, and on behalf of the state of Missouri and all of Chiefs Kingdom, our Capitol will be lighted red and gold as our team seeks another Super Bowl win." 

"Missouri is in our Super Bowl era, and we're predicting a 34-28 Chiefs' victory on Sunday," Governor Parson said.

Governor and First Lady Parson plan to meet with California Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Newsom prior to Sunday's game to exchange gifts and, presumably, friendly banter over whose state has the better football team. 

Each Governor plans to exchange signed Super Bowl LVIII memorabilia to be auctioned off, benefitting a charity of their choosing. More details will be shared on social media Sunday, February 11, when the exchanges are made. Media is invited to attend if granted access by the National Football League. More information below:

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Governor Parson to meet Governor Newsom for gift exchange ahead of Super Bowl LVIII

            When:        1:00 p.m. 

            Where:       Commissioner's Tailgate at Allegiant Stadium 

            Media:        All credentialing requirements will be handled through the NFL

                                ** Governor Parson will take media questions at his convenience as time allows.  

NOTE: Governor and First Lady Parson privately purchased their tickets to attend Super Bowl LVIII. Aside from their standard security detail, there will be no cost to state taxpayers. 

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered that U.S. and Missouri flags at all government buildings be flown at half-staff on Saturday, February 10 from sunrise to sunset in honor of former U.S. Senator and Missouri First Lady Jean Carpenter Carnahan. 

"Jean Carnahan was a strong advocate for Missouri both as a former First Lady and U.S. Senator," Governor and First Lady Parson said. "Jean was a proud Missourian and patriotic American who fought tirelessly on the behalf of children, veterans and military service members, and all Missourians. Upon becoming Missouri's Governor and First Lady, we received an encouraging note from Jean, the words of which we cherish today. Her sincere kindness will be greatly missed, but we are comforted knowing Missouri is better off having benefited from Jean's extraordinary public service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carnahan family as they mourn the loss of a mother, grandmother, and exceptional Missourian."

To view the proclamation click here.

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced three leadership designations to Missouri Boards and Commissions. 

Kayla Hahn, of Jefferson City, was designated as chair of the Public Service Commission.

Dr. Hahn was appointed to the Missouri Public Service Commission on June 1, 2023. She previously served as Governor Parson's policy director before being appointed to the Public Service Commission. As a member of Governor Parson's senior staff, Dr. Hahn represented the state of Missouri on the Southern States Energy Board and Midwestern Higher Education Commission. Prior to her tenure in the Governor’s Office, she served as assistant director and research analyst for the Missouri Senate Division of Research from 2013-2018. Dr. Hahn holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Missouri State University and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in political science from the University of Missouri–Columbia.  

Al Li, of St. Louis, was designated as chair of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

Mr. Li was appointed to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights on June 20, 2023. He has served as founder and CEO of ARTIS Commercial Capital since 2022. Mr. Li previously served as senior vice president at Regions Bank. He serves on several boards in his community, including chair of the Missouri District Export Council, trustee and executive committee member of the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, and member of the Advisory Council of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Li holds a Master of Business Administration from Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in communications and a Master of Arts in economics from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Brittney Southworth, of Farmington, was designated as vice-chair of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. 

Ms. Southworth was appointed to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights on June 2, 2023. Ms. Southworth currently serves as a registered nurse at BJC-Parkland Health Center in Farmington, working as a house supervisor, charge nurse, and in the acute and critical care departments. Ms. Southworth previously served as a practice administrator for the Hospitalist Program at Parkland Health Center and a precepting nurse for Mineral Area College’s nursing program. Prior to this, she served as a staff registered nurse at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital. Ms. Southworth has held a Missouri Nursing License since 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Science in both nursing and psychology from Southeast Missouri State University.

NOTE: These designations do not require Missouri Senate approval.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Jefferson City — For the month of January 2024, Governor Mike Parson granted 23 pardons and approved one commutation pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and have been sent to the individuals.

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• January 2024 Pardons.pdf

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 6th and 18th Judicial Circuits. 

Susan Casey, of Parkville, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Casey is currently the career law clerk and chief of staff to the Honorable Roseann Ketchmark of the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Master of Science in journalism from the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Megan Benton as Circuit Judge.

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

Mr. Sawyer currently serves as the Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney. He holds Bachelors of Science in sociology and criminal justice from Missouri Valley College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Jeff Mittelhauser as Circuit Judge.

JANUARY 24, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, during his final State of the State Address, Governor Mike Parson, alongside Congressman Sam Graves, announced that Missouri has secured a $92.8 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant to improve Interstate-70. 

Missouri will use the INFRA grant for specific Improve I-70 projects, including truck parking, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), work zone safety technology, and workforce development, all to enhance the efforts of adding an additional lane to I-70.

"For decades the expansion of I-70 was talked about in the State Capitol. After decades of inaction, our administration, with the help of the General Assembly, secured a historic investment of $2.8 billion last year to add a third lane across our state," said Governor Parson. "This additional grant money will help us build upon our historic investment and continue our administration's commitment to improving our state's infrastructure. We thank Congressman Graves for his leadership in securing this grant, the largest transportation grant Missouri has ever received." 

The overall goal of the Improve I-70 project across Missouri is to provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective transportation that responds to corridor needs as a national interstate. Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly supported by Governor Parson provides $2.8 billion in general revenue for the costs to plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and repair three lanes in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

“Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Graves, this grant award acknowledges the national importance of the Improve I-70 corridor,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “MoDOT submitted an aggressive application for the Improve I-70 program through a federal project discretionary grant opportunity to add to the historic funding provided by the General Assembly and Governor Parson. With the award of this grant, it will allow the Improve I-70 corridor to enhance safety, increase technology, and improve innovation throughout the first three projects.”

The first Improve I-70 project's contract is scheduled to be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for approval at its February 14, 2024 meeting. The first phase of the project includes the segment of interstate from Route 63 in Columbia to Route 54 in Kingdom City. Construction on this first segment could start as early as summer 2024. The second project will focus on the segment from Warrenton to Wentzville and the third from Blue Springs to Odessa. Projects two and three are scheduled to be under construction in 2025.

“This grant will enable MoDOT to further stretch the funding for I-70 to include additions such as additional truck parking along I-70, and additional cameras and digital message boards used to help communicate to I-70 travelers,” said MoDOT Improve I-70 Program Director Eric Kopinski. “We will also be looking at items to enhance technology and communication efforts through smart work zone features to advise motorists during construction.” 

For more information about the Improve I-70 projects and to sign up for project email updates, go to www.modot.org/improvei70.  

JANUARY 12, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson appointed the Honorable Brittney R. Smith as Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Smith, of St. Charles, currently serves as an associate circuit judge in St. Charles County. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Rebeca Navarro-McKelvey to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

JANUARY 11, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-02 as a precautionary measure to prepare for winter weather, especially extreme cold temperatures expected to impact the State of Missouri starting this weekend. The Order waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial vehicles transporting residential heating fuel and activates the Missouri National Guard for state and local response efforts, if needed. 

"With extreme cold forecasted for this weekend, we want to be prepared to respond however may be needed," Governor Parson said. "Missourians should be proactive in their preparations and so too should state government. This Order helps ensure Missourians' homes stay heated and that state government and our National Guard members stand ready to assist."

Executive Order 24-02 suspends hours of service regulations for motor carriers transporting residential heating fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil. 

Weather forecasts predict extremely cold temperatures and snow accumulation across parts of the state starting Friday, January 12, 2024. Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before driving to help determine if the trip can be completed safely. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map app can be downloaded free-of-charge to smart devices here.

Executive Order 24-02 will expire on January 26, 2024, unless otherwise extended. To view the Order, please click here.

JANUARY 2, 2024

Jefferson City — For the month of December 2023, Governor Mike Parson granted 29 pardons pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and have been sent to the individuals. Families have been or are in the process of being notified. 

In addition to granting 29 pardons, Governor Parson denied 77 clemency applications in December. Governor Parson has instructed his legal team to continue reviewing clemency files and working to eliminate the backlog inherited by his administration. 

To review the names of the individuals granted clemency, please see attached.

• December 2023 Pardons.pdf

JANUARY 2, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced two appointments to the State Highways and Transportation Commission.

Daniel (Dan) Hegeman, of Saint Joseph, was appointed to the State Highways and Transportation Commission.

Mr. Hegeman currently serves as senior community business manager at Evergy and co-owner of Hegeman Farm, Inc. He serves as the chairman of St. Joseph Metropolitan Planning Organization and is a board member and former chairman of Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Mr. Hegeman previously served as a Missouri State Senator for the 12th District and a Missouri State Representative for the 6th and later 5th Districts. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from the University of Missouri—Columbia.

Francis Slay, of St. Louis, was appointed to the State Highways and Transportation Commission.

Mr. Slay currently serves as executive director for the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission. He is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. Mr. Slay previously served as Mayor of the City of St. Louis for 16 years and was the first mayor to be elected to a fourth, four year term in office. He holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Quincy University and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law.