JANUARY 2, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced he has issued Executive Order 24-01, which bans individuals and businesses from nations designated as foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural land within a 10-mile radius of critical military facilities in the State of Missouri.

At the press conference, Governor Parson was joined by Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe as well as Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten, and Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Levon Cumpton. 

"With heightened concerns regarding ownership of Missouri farm land by foreign adversaries, especially China, we are signing this order to safeguard our military and intelligence assets, prevent security threats to our state, and give Missourians greater peace of mind," Governor Parson said. "When it comes to China and other foreign adversaries, we must take commonsense precautions that protect Missourians and our security resources."

“I applaud Governor Parson for taking this critical step forward to protect Missourians, our military assets, and critical infrastructure against China and other foreign adversaries, all while respecting our strong relationships with international allies and economic partners,” Lt. Governor Kehoe said. “China is our nation’s most hostile foreign adversary, and Missouri cannot allow individuals and companies associated with the Chinese Communist Party to buy and exploit Missouri land.”

Executive Order 24-01 bans any citizen, resident, or business from a foreign adversary, outlined in 15 C.F.R § 7.4, from owning or acquiring Missouri agriculture land within 10 miles of critical military facilities. Nations currently classified as foreign adversaries include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.

For the purposes of this order, "critical military facilities" refers to all staffed military facilities in Missouri. The order does not affect existing landowners. 

Currently, foreign agricultural land purchases are capped at one percent of the total agricultural land across the state, as outlined in state statute, Section 442.571, RSMo. Executive Order 24-01 creates more stringent requirements for these land purchases and requires approval from the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) prior to any foreign acquisitions of agricultural land. The order also requires disclosing certain information to MDA prior to any foreign entity acquiring Missouri agricultural land. Specifics can be found in the Executive Order. 

These additional requirements will help inform MDA personnel as to whether an agriculture land purchase by a foreign alien or business should be approved or denied. Governor Parson will also include funding in his upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 supplemental budget and his FY 2025 budget to ensure MDA has the necessary resources and staff to enforce these protections. 

During the press conference, Governor Parson made clear that his order does not impact Missouri's valued economic partnerships with foreign allies, including Israel, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan, among many others that have a longstanding presence in Missouri and employ thousands of Missourians. 

In the last five years alone, foreign investment in Missouri has totaled nearly $19 billion and directly supported close to 150,000 Missouri jobs.  

"There are numerous Missouri employers from friendly nations that we have strong economic relationships with, and we must ensure we are not disrupting Missouri's economy or Missourians' lives and livelihoods. Commonsense decisions and a balanced approach must always win, and Missouri must remain open for business to our allies," Governor Parson said. "As such, we believe this order, with the authority we have, sufficiently protects Missouri’s security interests from potential bad actors while not punishing our allies for being good economic partners or upstanding individuals fleeing oppression and coming to our nation legally in search of a better life."

To view Executive Order 24-01, click here or see attachment. Executive Order 24-01 will stand in effect until otherwise rescinded. 

Governor Parson's remarks from today's press conference can be found in the attached. A list of all staffed military facilities and corresponding 10-mile radiuses can be found in the attached. 

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• EO 24-01.pdf
• MONG_ staffed military facilities.pdf
• 01-02-2024 EO 24-01 Press Conference (public).pdf

JANUARY 2, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that Tyler Hobbs will assume the role of Legislative Director for the Office of the Governor, effective immediately. Mr. Hobbs fills the role that was vacated by Legislative Budget Director Alex Tuttle on December 22. Mr. Tuttle joined the Office of the Governor in July 2021 and had stepped away to pursue other opportunities. 

“Since joining the team, Tyler has demonstrated his profound understanding of the legislative process, and we've greatly enjoyed his insightful perspectives on policies and regulations. He has proven himself to be a hard worker, strong leader, and valued member of the team, and we have full confidence in his abilities,” Governor Parson said. “We will greatly miss Alex's  contributions to our team and his exceptional service to the people of Missouri, but we wish him the best in all his future endeavors.”

Mr. Hobbs has served as Deputy Policy and Legislative Director as well as Senior Policy Analyst since joining the Office of the Governor in August 2022. Prior to joining the team, he served as the Legislative Director for the Missouri Department of Public Safety after working as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Missouri Republican Party during the 2020 election cycle.

Mr. Hobbs is a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in political science. He is also a combat veteran of the United States Army, serving 12 years as a civil affairs sergeant and participating in overseas missions, including in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to the Republic of Georgia.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Governor and Team 57 and to serve the people of Missouri, and I look forward to continuing that service in this role,” Hobbs said. “I want to thank Alex for his leadership and mentorship over the past year.”

DECEMBER 28, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson announced that they will revive a lost Missouri tradition and host a Missouri Military Ball at the Governor's Mansion on Saturday, December 30 at 5:30 p.m. 

The history of Missouri's leaders hosting Military Balls dates back to the early 1800s with a territorial celebration of the state militia, the predecessor to the Missouri National Guard. With the construction of the current Governor's Mansion in 1871, the event became the New Year's Military Reception and continued until 1926. In following years, the military gathering was held intermittently at the Governor's Mansion, and Governor and First Lady Parson are excited to rekindle this tradition.

The 135th Army Band will be performing for the ball and several distinguished guests will be in attendance, including statewide officials, members of the Missouri National Guard, Missouri Military Installation Commanders, military community partners and stakeholders, members of the Missouri General Assembly and Missouri's congressional delegation, members of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, and the Governor's Cabinet, among other honored guests.

Governor and First Lady Parson will also welcome several dignitaries to the Governor's Mansion: 

• General Thomas Bussiere and Chief Master Sergeant Melvina Smith, Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Forces Strategic - Air, U.S. Strategic Command

• Major General Levon E. Cumpton, Adjutant General, Missouri National Guard and Command Sergeant Major Larry Godsey, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Missouri National Guard

• Two World War II Veterans, First Class Petty Officer Rose Washington and Staff Sergeant Jim Heitmeyer

The First Family will be displaying some of the USS Missouri silver service, including the punch bowl that is housed at the Missouri Governor's Mansion. Hors d'oeuvres and wine sponsored by Stone Hill Winery in Hermann will be served. 

NOTE: While the event is invitation only, there will be a media availability with First Lady Teresa Parson and Missouri Military Advocate Harry Roberts to discuss the Military Ball prior to event start from 5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event will be closed to media after 5:30 p.m. 

All media will need to RSVP to Johnathan.Shiflett@governor.mo.gov by 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 29. 

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced eight appointments to various boards and commissions.

Dr. Doug Burgess, of Parkville, was appointed to the Drug Utilization Review Board.

Dr. Burgess currently serves as medical director of addiction services at University Health and as associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in biology/pre-medicine from the University of Missouri and a Doctor of Medicine from Saint Louis University Medical School. He completed a residency in general psychiatry at the Duke University Medical Center and a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at Medical University of South Carolina. Additionally, Dr. Burgess holds dual board certification in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Charles (Chuck) Bryant, of Creve Coeur, was appointed to the Public School Retirement System of Missouri, Board of Trustees.

Mr. Bryant currently serves as director of business development at Kennedy Capital Management, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Stetson University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Louis University.

Jane Earnhart, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Ms. Earnhart currently serves as senior landscape architect at Olsson, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University.

Andrea Jackson, of Saint Louis, was appointed to the Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District.

Ms. Jackson currently serves as managing director for the St. Louis Community Foundation's Regional Response Team. She holds a Bachelor of General Studies, a Master of Education, and a Doctor of Education, all from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Kenneth Jones, of Clarksburg, was appointed to the Missouri State Capitol Commission.

Mr. Jones served as chairman and board member of the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole for six years. He served five years as Missouri State Representative for District 117, Moniteau County Sheriff for 19 years, and as a Missouri State Trooper for nine years. Mr. Jones was the owner of AA Propane for two years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from the University of Missouri, and he graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy in 1974. 

Dr. Kishore Khot, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed to the Mental Health Commission.

Dr. Khot currently serves as a physician at the Community Counseling Center, and he has been practicing there for the past 23 years. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Belgaum, India. He also holds a Doctor of Medicine from Albany Medical College. He completed a residency in psychiatry at Albany Medical College and a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at the University of Florida. Additionally, Dr. Khot is certified by the American Board of Psychology and Neurology as a psychiatrist.

Maddox Studdard, of Carl Junction, was appointed as the student representative to the Missouri Southern State University Board of Governors.

Mr. Studdard currently serves as a sales professional at Frank Fletcher Toyota. He currently attends Missouri Southern State University, and is pursuing a Bachelor of business administration with an emphasis in finance.

Kurt D. Witzel, of Saint Louis County, was appointed to the Missouri State Capitol Commission.

Mr. Witzel is retired from Anheuser-Busch, Inc., after serving 35 years as a marketing executive. He holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Missouri. He spent 13 years on the board of Missouri Mansion Preservation Organization (now the Friends of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion), serving nine of those years as vice-president. Additionally, he serves on the boards of multiple historic preservation foundations in the Saint Louis area.

DECEMBER 22, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced he has appointed Abbie Rothermich as Associate Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Rothermich, of Kansas City, is an Assistant Attorney General in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. She holds Bachelors of Arts in classics and English from Truman State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Jessica Agnelly Krawczyk as Circuit Judge.

DECEMBER 18, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced $5 million in grant funding has been approved for 20 Missouri colleges and universities to continue enhancing nursing education programs statewide.

“It is vitally important that we continue to invest in Missouri’s health care workforce to stay competitive nationally, especially for our high demand fields such as nursing,” Governor Parson said. “These grant funds will allow nursing programs to increase faculty support, develop future faculty through scholarships and nursing educator programs, and invest in clinical simulation technology and equipment.”

These 20 competitive grants totaling $5 million were part of a special appropriation to the Missouri State Board of Nursing that was recommended and approved by Governor Parson. The approved grants include:

• $172,760 to Bolivar Technical College
• $165,590 to College of the Ozarks
• $211,855 to Crowder College
• $159,856 to Lincoln University
• $227,000 to Maryville University
• $441,405 to Missouri Baptist University
• $394,772 to Missouri State University
• $532,944 to Missouri State University - West Plains
• $386,780 to Missouri Western State University
• $198,000 to North Central Missouri College
• $147,500 to Northwest Missouri State University
• $135,563 to Research College of Nursing
• $293,400 to St. Charles Community College
• $99,704 to St. Louis University
• $450,000 to St. Luke’s College - Rockhurst University
• $150,000 to Truman State University
• $256,875 to University of Central Missouri
• $285,996 to University of Missouri - Columbia
• $150,000 to University of Missouri - Kansas City
• $140,000 to William Jewell College

The nursing programs that were awarded funds will provide scholarships and tuition assistance for nursing faculty, clinical simulation equipment and staffing, technology enhancements, faculty pay increases, nursing faculty professional development, and graduate nursing program development to educate more nursing faculty.

“We applaud nursing programs for leveraging their research, creativity, and commitment to patient safety by proposing solutions to address the nursing program capacity issues,” said Lori Scheidt, Executive Director of the Missouri State Board of Nursing. “New technology will also allow nursing students to practice, refine and replicate complex clinical procedures, ultimately increasing patient safety.”

Nearly $3 million in funding was previously approved by Governor Parson in September 2022 through the first special appropriation by the Missouri General Assembly, for a total of now nearly $8 million awarded through his office. 

In addition to these funds, the Missouri State Board of Nursing has awarded more than $10 million through the Nursing Education Incentive Program (NEIP). NEIP is an annual grant program designed to increase the physical and educational capacity of professional nursing programs throughout the state. More information on NEIP grants may be obtained from the Missouri State Board of Nursing’s website: pr.mo.gov/nursing. 

DECEMBER 8, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District and the 6th and 21st Judicial Circuits. 

The Honorable Rebeca M. Navarro-McKelvey, of St. Charles, was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

Judge Navarro-McKelvey currently serves as a circuit judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit. She holds Bachelors of Arts in Spanish and political science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Kelly C. Broniec to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Myles A. Perry, of Kansas City, will be appointed as Circuit Judge for the 6th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Perry is currently an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Park University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Thomas C. Fincham.

Nicolette A. Klapp, of St. Louis, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Klapp is currently an attorney at The Buxner Law Firm. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Megan H. Julian as Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Matthew H. Hearne, of St. Louis, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Judge Hearne currently serves as an associate circuit judge in St. Louis County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Hillsdale College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Margaret T. Donnelly.

DECEMBER 6, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will release new funding to help improve the health of pregnant women and support their care after childbirth to reduce maternal mortality and poor health outcomes. The investment includes $4.3 million in new funds proposed by Governor Parson and authorized by the Missouri General Assembly to transform the quality and increase the access of health services provided to women during pregnancy and postpartum.  

"Last year during my State of the State Address, we declared that it was unacceptable for Missouri to be ranked near the bottom when it comes to maternal care, and we're taking action," Governor Parson said. "By recognizing the need to do better for Missouri mothers, this funding will help us implement a new plan to provide needed support and save lives. We want to thank the General Assembly for approving this funding and helping foster these partnerships that will lead to better care for Missouri mothers and babies."  

In 2023, Missouri’s latest Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review (PAMR) report found that annually an average of 61 Missouri women die while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy — ranking Missouri 44th among states in maternal mortality. These deaths occurred along the continuum of pregnancy and early motherhood. Contributing factors include access to care challenges, missed clinical interventions to manage conditions like heart disease, and unaddressed or unresolved mental health conditions — including substance use disorders, which are the leading cause of death and long-term harm. 

“We must do better for Missouri mothers, and this funding is granting the state unprecedented opportunities to create greater access to quality care,” DHSS Director Paula F. Nickelson said. “It is also crucial that we make an impact with this transformation of perinatal care. The strategies we are employing are based on what has truly worked in other states.”

Missouri’s maternal mortality prevention plan includes the following five domains: Missouri Maternal Quality Care Protocols, Maternal Care Workforce, Optimize Postpartum Care, Maternal Health Access Project, and Improved Maternal Health Data.

Missouri Maternal Quality Care Protocols  |  DHSS is partnering with the Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MO PQC), led by the Missouri Hospital Association, to develop and implement standardized evidence-based protocols for maternal-fetal health care with toolkits including a collection of best practice tools and articles, care guidelines, a hospital-level implementation guide, and professional education materials.

Maternal Care Workforce  |  DHSS and MO PQC are developing standardized maternal care provider trainings on trauma-informed, responsive, culturally congruent, and linguistically appropriate care, including screening, referral, and treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorder during and after pregnancy as well as cardiovascular disorders, gestational diabetes, and other endocrinology disorders associated with pregnancy.

Optimize Postpartum Care  |  DHSS and MO PQC are developing a standardized Postpartum Plan of Care to include an assessment for depression and anxiety, universal screening for substance use disorder, and (as appropriate) referrals to mental health professionals, social workers, community health workers, nurse-led home visiting programs, and substance use disorder treatment programs.

Maternal Health Access Project  |  DHSS is working with the University of Missouri Health System to develop and implement a hub-and-spoke model Perinatal Health Access Collaborative, inclusive of perinatal mental health. The Collaborative will provide same-day specialized consultation, patient referral to community services, over-the-phone follow-up care coordination, and access to ongoing training and education for rural healthcare providers and other providers without this specialized expertise.

Improved Maternal Health Data  |  DHSS is establishing a maternal-child health dashboard to advance data quality and accessibility.

“The PAMR finds that nearly all maternal deaths and harms are preventable,” MHA President and CEO Jon D. Doolittle said. “Delivering the right care to expecting mothers during pregnancy — and extending care and support to them after childbirth when a significant share of harm occurs — can reduce maternal mortality and improve health. MHA and the Missouri PQC are honored to be providing best practices and connecting Missouri’s expecting mothers and mothers with resources to improve their health.”

Additionally, the Missouri Department of Mental Health was awarded the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression and Related Behavioral Disorders Program grant for $687,777. This additional funding will provide the ability to develop the maternal health access project infrastructure.

“Addressing mental health for pregnant and new moms begins in the primary care setting and this program is designed to give those providers access to the tools they need to respond,” Laine Young-Walker, MD, chair of psychiatry at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and principal investigator, said. “This program represents a significant opportunity to make positive progress on the leading cause of maternal mortality in our state.”

DECEMBER 6, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson hosted a ceremony proclaiming December as Christmas Tree Month in Missouri. The proclamation was presented to winners of the Missouri Christmas Tree Association’s annual wreath and tree contests, held earlier this year at the association’s annual convention.

“On behalf of all Missourians, The First Lady and I recognize these farm families and their passion for Christmas trees – classic symbols of the holiday season,” Governor Parson said. “Places like Pea Ridge Forest and Meert Tree Farm represent the hard work and grit of all Missouri farmers and ranchers who have stayed the course and weathered every challenge, especially this year with the effects of severe drought. Congratulations again to this year's winners."

Pea Ridge Forest in Hermann won the Christmas tree contest, and has provided an 8-foot tree to the Missouri State Capitol. Located on the second floor outside Governor Parson’s office, the Canaan fir tree has been growing at Pea Ridge Forest for eight years. LeRoy and Mary Rood established Pea Ridge Forest in 1972, and the farm is currently owned by their sons, Mike and Scott. Pea Ridge Forest is truly a family business with three generations working on the farm. Pea Ridge Forest offers "choose and cut" Christmas trees in addition to being a wholesale nursery. The farm offers a variety of activities during the holiday season, including a gift shop, hay rides, and complimentary hot chocolate. 

The 2023 winning wreath comes from Meert Tree Farm in Festus. The Meert family established Meert Tree Farm in 1963, and the farm is now operated by their daughter, Jennifer Sommerkamp, with the help of their other children and grandchildren. Meert Tree Farm offers cut-your-own Christmas trees, a sunflower maze, and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch throughout the seasons. During the holiday season, the farm has a Christmas shop and children’s train rides.

Students from Happy Hearts Child Development Center, the Special Learning Center, and Special Olympics Missouri joined Governor Parson to light this year's Capitol Christmas tree. 

To plan your family’s visit to a Christmas tree farm in your area, visit MissouriGrownUSA.com or MissouriChristmasTrees.org.

DECEMBER 1, 2023

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. 

The annual CRE is a figure established by state budget experts and is one of the basic assumptions used by the Governor and legislative leaders to build and balance Missouri’s budget.

"As always, we greatly appreciate House and Senate leadership, our state budget team, and other state partners for helping develop this year's revenue estimate to inform our budget for next year," Governor Parson said. "Our administration has passed three tax cuts, one being the largest in state history, and made historic, once-in-a-generation investments all while approving conservative, balanced budgets every year. As a result, our revenues remain strong and stable and Missouri's financial position is secure."

The key figure in the CRE is the projected general revenue collections. Net general revenue collections in FY25 are expected to be $13.16 billion. This represents a 0.2 percent net general revenue growth over the revised CRE for FY24.

The revised estimate for the current fiscal year (FY24) assumes $13.14 billion in net general revenue collections, which represents a 0.7 percent decline compared to FY23.

"The Missouri economy remains strong due to the conservative policies that we've put in place," Senate Appropriations Chairman Lincoln Hough said. "Our projected growth in revenue is lower due to Missourians keeping more of their hard-earned money in their pocket, which increases individual household income."

“I am proud to reach an agreement on a conservative revenue estimate, and I look forward to working with both Senator Hough and Governor Parson to create a suitable and sustainable budget next fiscal year," House Budget Chairman Cody Smith said.

Governor Parson will outline his proposed FY25 budget during his annual State of the State address in January.