OCTOBER 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nearly $10 million in state grants for improving public safety to Missouri Blue Shield communities across the state. A total of 201 counties, cities, and towns earned the Governor’s Blue Shield designation by creating comprehensive, sustainable plans to fight crime and promote safer communities, making them eligible for grant funding.

“We had high expectations when we announced the Blue Shield Program on our first day in office, but the work Missouri communities have put into fighting crime and supporting law enforcement has been tremendous,” said Governor Kehoe. “The communities earning Blue Shield grants are proving the value of this program by utilizing the state funds to purchase equipment that will identify and help capture criminals and protect officers as they patrol Missouri’s streets.”

Missouri communities could apply for $50,000 in training, equipment, and technology grants if they met Missouri Blue Shield requirements and were designated as Blue Shield communities by June 1, 2025. A total of 60 counties, 137 cities and four towns were approved. A map of Missouri Blue Shield communities and a list of these jurisdictions is available here.

Blue Shield awards to communities include:

• 388 Mobile Data Terminals
• 351 Body Cameras
• 151 License Plate Readers
• 102 Ballistic Vests
• 91 Interoperable Radios
• 56 Vehicles

“The Blue Shield communities are investing the state grants they are receiving in ballistic vests, body cameras, license plate readers, radios, dash cameras, patrol vehicles, UTVs and other equipment that will make a real difference to crime fighting every day,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “I also appreciate all the assistance our DPS Grants team provided to the Blue Shield community applicants to get the money flowing quickly to support the fine work of our local law enforcement partners.”

Communities have received notification of their grant awards by email this week from the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The Blue Shield Program, as outlined in Executive Order 25-03, is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouri initiative announced on his first day in office. The Governor included, and the General Assembly approved, $10 million in grant funding for law enforcement training, equipment, and technology in Missouri’s FY 2026 budget.

Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria includes:

• Passage of a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including to reduce violent crime within the jurisdiction;
• Extraordinary investments in public safety funding;
• Community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety;
• Law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime;
• Participates in regional anti-crime task forces, or a commitment to be a willing partner with these in the future; and
• Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.

Blue Shield counties, cities, and towns must maintain their commitments to retain the Blue Shield designation via annual reporting about their ongoing efforts to support public safety to DPS. There will be another opportunity for other communities to apply for the Blue Shield designation and take advantage of future grants in 2026.

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OCTOBER 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Justin Hamm, of Mexico, as the Missouri Poet Laureate for 2025-2027.

Mr. Hamm currently serves as the school librarian at Eugene Field Elementary in Mexico and is the author of five books of poetry and several individual works, which often draw inspiration from Missouri's people and landscapes, and have appeared in journals and anthologies nationwide. In addition to his writing, he is a photographer whose award-winning hybrid poetry and photography exhibit, Midwestern, toured throughout the Midwest between 2018 and 2020. Hamm holds a bachelor's degree in English from MacMurray College and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Southern Illinois University. 

“I'm deeply honored to be named the next Poet Laureate of Missouri. I look forward to serving the people of this state and repaying poetry for the countless ways it has shaped and steadied my life,” said Mr. Hamm. “For years I've tried to let my poems testify that Missouri is a place rich in story and worthy of literary attention. As Poet Laureate, I hope to uplift the voices of our state's poets higher, and to remind everyday Missourians that poetry isn't some distant art but a living thing—and it belongs to anyone with a heart that yearns for connection.”

The Poet Laureate program, created in 2008 and administered by the Missouri Arts Council, enriches the lives of Missourians by fostering the art of poetry statewide. Through public appearances, readings, workshops, digital and social media, the Poet Laureate helps elevate poetry in schools, communities, and cultural spaces. 

Hamm's two-year term as Missouri Poet Laureate begins October 1, 2025, and runs through September 30, 2027. He succeeds David L. Harrison of Springfield, who served from July 2023 through September 2025.

Governor Kehoe selected Hamm from among public nominations reviewed by the Missouri Poet Laureate Committee, composed of previous Poets Laureate David L. Harrison, Maryfrances Wagner, Karen Craigo, Aliki Barnstone, William Trowbridge, and Walter Bargen.

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About the Missouri Arts Council 

The Missouri Arts Council provides support to nonprofit organizations through grants that meet its strategic goals: 1) engage people in meaningful arts experiences, 2) grow Missouri’s economy using the arts, 3) strengthen Missouri education through the arts. Missouri Arts Council funding makes quality arts programming possible in communities statewide. The Council also provides expertise in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, and artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media).

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts. 

CONTACT:  Barbara MacRobie, public information coordinator, barbara.macrobie@ltgov.mo.gov, 314-340-6852, www.missouriartscouncil.org 

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OCTOBER 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the application for Missouri's Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship is now open. Established through Senate Bill 71, sponsored by Senator David Gregory and Representative Dave Hinman, the scholarship delivers tuition support for first responders and their families.

The scholarship helps cover the cost of tuition for eligible public safety personnel and their dependent children pursuing a qualifying license, certification, or postsecondary degree from a Missouri public or independent college or university or a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) accredited training provider.

“The Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship provides support and a path toward a quality education for Missouri’s dedicated public safety professionals and their children,” said Governor Kehoe. “We know that the recruitment and retention of first responders is a major concern across our state, so that's why we are proud to invest in the future of those who have made incredible sacrifices for our communities and who help keep Missourians safe. We appreciate the members of the General Assembly for supporting this scholarship and delivering real support to first responder families.”

Full-time police officers, firefighters, paramedics, telecommunicator first responders, emergency medical technicians, and advanced emergency medical technicians with at least six years of service may be eligible to receive the scholarship. Additionally, the dependent children of those with at least 10 years of service may also qualify. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements, including be a Missouri resident and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“The Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship will offer public safety personnel and their children a cost-effective opportunity to invest in their future by earning a certificate or degree,” added Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “We are honored to extend this support to the incredibly courageous Missourians committed to protecting our citizens and communities.”

To apply, interested individuals must create an account and complete the application through the State Financial Aid Portal. In addition to the application, individuals will be required to upload and submit documentation verifying employment, Missouri residency, and other eligibility requirements.

The scholarship application and supporting documents must be submitted to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) by November 5, 2025, to be considered for the 2025-2026 school year. This covers tuition and fees for the entire academic year, including the current fall semester.

Additionally, the scholarship application for the 2026-2027 school year will be available in the State Financial Aid Portal by late October with a statutory deadline of December 15, 2025. Interested individuals will need to apply for the scholarship each academic year to be considered for the award.

For more information about the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship, visit the MDHEWD website. Detailed information about qualifying majors, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and more is available in the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship FAQs.

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OCTOBER 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine pink, beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, until sunrise on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“By shining the Capitol dome pink, the State of Missouri is reinforcing our support for every breast cancer survivor, patient, and family who knows the fight,” said Governor Kehoe. “This disease impacts the lives of so many families across Missouri, with approximately 6,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in our state. Early detection through regular screenings, along with access to treatment and support, continues to be critical in saving lives.”

Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, with nearly 1 in 8 women in the United States expected to face a diagnosis during their lifetime.

The Capitol lighting serves as a visible reminder of the importance of awareness, education, and early detection. Resources are available statewide to help Missourians access breast cancer screenings and support services. For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Show Me Healthy Women webpage.

Photos of the Capitol lighted pink this morning are available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe announced today that he has authorized the Missouri National Guard (MONG) to assist with administrative, clerical, and logistical duties at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facilities within the State of Missouri. This decision comes in response to a request for assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Department of War (DOW) to ensure the resources and personnel needed to effectively enforce immigration laws and maintain operational control of the border.

Missouri National Guard service members will provide support starting October 1, 2025, by assisting with tasks such as data entry, case management, and logistical support, enabling ICE personnel to focus on core enforcement and security functions. MONG personnel who have been assigned to this mission were selected on a volunteer basis.

“Public safety, keeping Missourians safe, and upholding the rule of law is our administration's top priority,” said Governor Kehoe. “The Missouri National Guard is uniquely equipped to provide this essential administrative support, and we are confident their contributions will be invaluable to immigration enforcement efforts. Missouri is proud to join in the Trump administration's efforts to keep our state and nation secure.”

On July 25, 2025, the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth approved the duty status of DOW military personnel providing support at ICE processing facilities allowing for Title 32 duty status, which is a federally funded status under authority of the Governor. The Missouri National Guard regularly works alongside local, state, and federal agencies in support roles to ensure the safety and security of communities.

Military personnel are authorized to be on duty for this mission through September 30, 2026.

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SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that the State of Missouri has submitted a waiver request to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to alter Missouri's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to refocus the program and support the purchase of healthy foods.

Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-30, ordering the Director of DSS to prepare and submit a waiver to FNS to alter Missouri's SNAP program in a manner that prioritizes healthy foods and nutritional value, discourages foods that are high in added sugar and ultra processed, and supports Missouri agriculture.

“Healthy and nutritionally secure Missouri families are critical to supporting a path to self-sufficiency and, ultimately, a thriving state,” said Governor Kehoe. “Under the Trump administration, states are taking action to ensure that taxpayer dollars are better used to promote healthy, nutritious food purchases. With approximately $1.5 billion in annual SNAP benefits issued in Missouri, we must refocus our SNAP program to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is administered by the State of Missouri to provide food assistance for low-income Missouri families to supplement their grocery budgets and encourage the consumption of nutritious food essential to health and well-being.

“With this waiver request, we are looking to refocus Missouri's SNAP program to further prioritize healthy foods that truly benefit the well-being of Missouri families,” said Director Jess Bax, Missouri Department of Social Services. “I appreciate Governor Kehoe's leadership in advancing the health of Missourians and supporting Missouri agriculture. Our department is eager to begin working alongside key stakeholders, including public health and nutrition experts, SNAP beneficiaries and administrators, and related business and industry representatives on the implementation process and further incentivizing healthy food purchases.”

Governor Kehoe's executive order also calls for the Director of DSS to explore and recommend strategies to further incentivize the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, and Missouri-produced meats and dairy products within the SNAP program by utilizing and enhancing existing Missouri healthy food education and access programs, such as the "Double Up Food Bucks" initiative, which provides additional financial benefits for healthy food purchases.

Governor Kehoe's executive order calls for modifications to Missouri’s SNAP program designed to refocus the program to support the purchase of a wide variety of whole and minimally processed healthy food categories, including, but not limited to:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Meat, fish, poultry, and other proteins
• Dairy products
• Whole grains and bread products
• Legumes

Governor Kehoe has also committed to exploring an additional waiver request to allow for the purchase of hot, ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken – an affordable source of protein.

Missouri is a leading national agricultural producer in a variety of food commodities that provide healthy, sustainable dietary options for Missourians.

“Incentivizing the purchase of nutritious, locally-sourced agricultural products through the SNAP program will not only support a healthier population but also strengthen Missouri's agricultural industry,” said Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Agriculture. “From farmers markets and local produce stands to grocery stores across the state, Missouri farmers and ranchers are proud to play a role in this effort to better the health and well-balanced diets of families.”

Missouri's waiver request was sent to USDA today, opening a 30-day public comment period in Missouri. As this is the first step in this process, Governor Kehoe and his cabinet welcome stakeholder engagement throughout the year-long process to refocus the SNAP program.

The estimated implementation date of Missouri's waiver, following USDA approval and extensive stakeholder engagement, would be October 1, 2026.

To view Governor Kehoe's Executive Order 25-30, click here. A copy of the initial waiver request with additional details is available here.

Updated details and waivers can be found on the DSS website at this link.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill (HB) 1 of the One Hundred Third General Assembly's Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session into law. HB 1, sponsored by Representative Dirk Deaton and Senator Rusty Black, creates provisions for redistricting federal congressional seats.

“I was proud to officially sign the Missouri First Map into law today ahead of the 2026 midterm election,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the congressional representation of states like New York, California, and Illinois. We believe this map best represents Missourians, and I appreciate the support and efforts of state legislators, our congressional delegation, and President Trump in getting this map to my desk.”

On August 29, Governor Kehoe convened the General Assembly for a special session to enact legislation establishing updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri and amending the state’s initiative petition process. Governor Kehoe worked with the General Assembly to pass the Missouri First Map in HB 1, a more compact, contiguous map that was created by Governor Kehoe's team.

Highlights of the Missouri First Map:

• Splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current map.
• Preserves two congressional districts as currently drawn.
• Retains every current member of Missouri’s congressional delegation in their current districts.

On September 12, the General Assembly truly agreed to and finally passed the Missouri First Map in House Bill 1 and the "Protect Missouri Voters" amendment in House Joint Resolution 3, which will be placed on the ballot for voter approval.

Additional information on the map will be available at this link through the Office of Administration's Redistricting Office. For more information on HB 1, visit house.mo.gov.

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SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

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

Robert Goodrich, of Waynesville, was reappointed to the Missouri Propane Safety Commission.

Mr. Goodrich has over forty years of experience in the propane industry, holding several CETP certifications and currently serving as the operations manager for Goodrich Gas, Inc. He has served in leadership roles for various organizations in the industry, including the Missouri Propane Gas Association and the Missouri Propane Education and Resource Council. He also serves his community on the Crocker R-2 Board of Education and as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Crocker. Goodrich holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from Missouri State University.

Rachel Melson Marino, of Riverside, was appointed to the Drug Utilization Review Board.

Dr. Marino currently serves as the director of the Outreach Clinic at Swope Health in Kansas City. She also leads Swope Health’s Hepatitis C Treatment and HIV Prevention programs. She chaired the Provider Development Committee for Missouri’s Hepatitis C Elimination Plan, leads the MOHEPC Champion Award Committee, serves as a subject matter expert for the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, and is a member of the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable’s Advisory Committee. Marino earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Kansas School of Nursing and has also completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Ryan Kruger, of Springfield, was appointed to the Drug Utilization Review Board.

Mr. Kruger, RPh, currently serves as the vice president of operations of PACE and Pharmacy at Jordan Valley Community Health Center. In addition to his demonstrated history of working in the healthcare industry, he has served his community through leadership roles with the Springfield Board of Public Utilities, Children’s Miracle Network, the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, and the Jordan Valley Foundation. Kruger earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

Andrea Weisenborn, of Macon, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Ms. Weisenborn currently serves as a hospice volunteer, having previously worked as an in-home health care worker and for the Macon Parks and Recreation Department. She has a passion for making communities more accessible to people with disabilities, is a Partners in Policymaking graduate, and is a member of People First of Missouri. Weisenborn earned an associate's degree in executive business from Moberly Area Community College.

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he intends to sign House Bill 1 of the One Hundred Third General Assembly's Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

“After a thorough bill review process with our team, I am prepared to officially sign the Missouri First Map into law,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri’s conservative, common-sense values should be truly represented at all levels of government, and the Missouri First Map delivers just that. We appreciate the work of legislators in the General Assembly in getting this bill to my desk, as well as passing critically needed IP reform to give Missouri voters the opportunity to protect our Constitution at the ballot box.”

On August 29, Governor Kehoe convened the General Assembly for a special session to enact legislation establishing updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri and amending the state’s initiative petition process. On September 12, the General Assembly truly agreed to and finally passed the Missouri First Map in House Bill 1 and the "Protect Missouri Voters" amendment in House Joint Resolution 3.

The bill signing will be a closed event. A press release will follow the signing, with photos available on the Governor's Flickr page.

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SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has signed Executive Order 25-29, declaring a drought alert in Missouri until December 1, 2025.

Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of 85 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The executive order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any additional county that begins experiencing moderate drought conditions.

"This executive order allows our state agencies to step in and direct resources to those struggling with the consequences of drought, while allowing for vigilant monitoring of conditions over the next few months," Governor Kehoe said. "While much of our state is anticipating rainfall this week, we expect drought conditions to continue impacting agriculture and waterway navigation. We urge Missourians to report their local conditions in order to help local, state, and federal partners to best understand impacts."

During drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance. Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).

The Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan calls for intergovernmental communication, cooperation, and coordination of efforts in drought mitigation activities.

A variety of helpful resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities as it becomes available. The one-stop drought website features a link to CMOR, current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps, the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.

Executive Order 25-29 will expire on December 1, 2025, unless otherwise terminated or extended.

To view Executive Order 25-29, click here.

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