JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 22-05 in response to severe flooding occurring in the St. Louis region. The Order declares a State of Emergency exists in Missouri and activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions in order to provide assistance. 

"With record rainfall impacting the St. Louis region and the potential for additional rain and isolated thunderstorms, we want to ensure that our communities have every resource available to respond and protect Missourians," Governor Parson said. "Our state government team will work to assist affected Missourians and provide ongoing relief and support during this emergency. We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers, never drive in floodwaters, and always use common sense to prevent injury." 

“State agencies are prepared and ready to provide assistance to Missourians in flood-impacted areas,” Lieutenant Governor Kehoe said. “Enacting the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan enables us to work more efficiently and effectively with local partners and ensures affected communities in the St. Louis region will have access to necessary resources and services.”

Beginning late Monday night and overnight, parts of the St. Louis region experienced record rainfall that led to severe and widespread flash flooding. By 7 a.m., more than 8.06 inches of rainfall had been observed at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, breaking the all-time daily rainfall total of 6.85 inches set in 1915. St. Peters has received over 12 inches of rainfall and O’Fallon more than 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service. 

The flooding led to hundreds of rescues from flooded vehicles and homes. The Missouri State Highway Patrol alone responded to more than 100 calls for assistance this morning. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated since early this morning to monitor conditions and coordinate state response.  

“Today there was tremendous work by local first responders, emergency managers, and citizen rescuers rushing to help during these extremely dangerous conditions,” SEMA Director Jim Remillard said. “Please continue to avoid the impacted areas, and if anyone has unmet needs, we encourage you to call United Way 2-1-1.”

Missourians are reminded to always be careful around flooded areas and understand the risks floodwater poses.

• Avoid walking through floodwater and keep children from playing in it.
  • Standing water can carry infectious diseases and hide hazards, including road damage, glass, and sewage.
  • Storm drains can create an extremely dangerous situation for anyone caught in the current.
• Never attempt to drive over flooded roads.

Executive Order 22-05 also serves as the first step required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order for Missouri to seek a federal Major Disaster Declaration if damage meets federal thresholds.

To view Executive Order 22-05, click here. 

JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Clay and Jackson counties on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, to honor North Kansas City Police Department Officer Daniel F. Vasquez.

“Officer Vasquez pursued his dream of becoming a police officer with enthusiasm and determination,” Governor Mike Parson said. “It takes a special type of individual to devote his or her life to public service and accept the risks and sacrifices that come with protecting the public. Daniel Vasquez was willing to do that and more. It is tragic that senseless violence has taken the life of a young officer with such a bright future. Our prayers are with his family and the law enforcement community.”

“Officer Daniel Vasquez bravely and proudly served his community, fulfilling his lifelong dream of working in law enforcement,” Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said. “Claudia and I continue to pray for Daniel’s family and the entire law enforcement community during this difficult time. This tragic act of violence is a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face each day to keep their communities safe, and of the debt we owe these heroes for their courageous service.”

On July 19, Officer Vasquez was on duty when he initiated a vehicle stop of a motorist for an expired temporary vehicle registration. He was ambushed and mortally wounded as he approached the stopped vehicle on foot. He was posthumously awarded the North Kansas City Police Department Medal of Valor.

Officer Vasquez, 32, began his career with the North Kansas City Police Department when he entered the Kansas City Regional Police Academy on January 4, 2021. He graduated on July 8, 2021, and received his Missouri Peace Officer license and was commissioned by the department the same day. Prior to joining the police department, Vasquez had served as a civilian detention officer with the Kansas City Police Department and as a security officer for the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Officer Vasquez is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson has issued the following statement in response to substantial rainfall and flooding occurring in the St. Louis area:

"I have been briefed on the extreme flooding in the St. Louis area. We appreciate the rapid and professional response of local first responders and emergency managers involved in flood rescues and other protective measures. We also thank our Missouri State Highway Patrol and MoDOT crews for working alongside local teams."

"The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and Department of Public Safety are coordinating with local response agencies to provide additional assistance as needed to protect Missourians. Lt. Governor Kehoe has also been briefed on the situation and is ready to act on my behalf, if needed, while I am on our international trade mission."

"We urge Missourians to continue to follow the safety messaging of local authorities and avoid travel in flooded areas until floodwaters recede. Never attempt to drive in floodwater."

For the latest updates on flooding conditions and helpful tips, follow @MoPublicSafety, @MoSEMA_, and @MoDOT on Twitter. Missourians can also view updates on road conditions using the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.

JULY 21, 2022

Jefferson City — In response to increasingly dry conditions and the growing threat of serious drought, especially across Missouri's southern counties, Governor Mike Parson today issued Executive Order 22-04 calling upon the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate the Drought Assessment Committee and the associated drought impact teams.

“I know on my farm that conditions have deteriorated quickly, and we are hearing the same reports from countless other farm and ranch families across the state,” Governor Parson said. “By responding now, early in this drought, we can greatly reduce the impact on our agricultural community and Missouri citizens. Our farmers are a critical resource for our state, and it is important that we assist them as much as possible through this difficult time.”

Governor Parson has directed all state agencies to examine how they may assist affected communities, as well as those communities that may be affected in the future, through temporary suspension of administrative rules, appropriation, or other means of support to mitigate the effects of drought conditions.

Additionally, Governor Parson has proactively directed the departments of Natural Resources and Conservation to create a process for allowing farmers water access at state parks and conservation areas. The Department of Natural Resources will also assess state park areas that can be made available for haying. The Missouri Department of Transportation will offer special over-width hauling permits, which waive certain fees and restrictions to farmers and ranchers moving hay.

In response to the Governor’s request, the Soil and Water Conservation Commission will hold a special session next Monday, July 25, to consider assistance and variances that can be provided to help Missouri’s agriculture producers.

The Executive Order declares a drought alert for 53 counties in southern and central Missouri, primarily counties south of the Missouri River. A drought alert, part of Missouri’s Drought Plan, is the initial catalyst that allows the Governor to direct state agencies to work together and provide as many resources and as much assistance as possible.

“Drought conditions in many parts of Missouri compound the challenges producers are already facing with high fuel prices and input costs,” Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn said. “Livestock producers are having to make difficult decisions about selling livestock because there is no pasture in many areas. Grain farmers are watching their crops wither before pollination. Conditions are difficult for many Missouri farmers and ranchers.”

In accordance with Missouri’s Drought Plan, the Department of Natural Resources has been engaging partners to assess emerging drought conditions for several weeks. In a fast-moving drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance.

“Our partners are doing a great job helping us assess drought conditions across Missouri,” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin. “We’re also relying on help from our citizens in reporting and submitting photographs of the conditions they’re seeing locally.”

Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).

A variety of helpful resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities daily 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 Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.

The Missouri Department of Conservation also warns of the increased risk for wildfires that drought conditions can cause. For more information on how best to prevent wildfires, visit MDC's wildfire prevention website: www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention.

“In addition to the impacts on Missouri farmers and agriculture, drought conditions are causing an increase in wildfires and wildfire risk, particularly across southern Missouri the last few weeks,” Missouri Department of Conservation Director Sara Parker Pauley said. “The Department works closely with 775 rural fire departments to fight wildfires in Missouri. We ask Missourians to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires and report any wildfires you observe to your local fire department or sheriff department, especially during times of drought.”

To view Executive Order 22-04, click here. 

JULY 20, 2022

Jefferson City — From July 23 - 30, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to Germany and the Netherlands for their fourth international Trade Mission. Germany and the Netherlands are key trade partners for Missouri, with nearly $679 million and more than $223 million in exports in 2021, respectively.

Consistent with Governor Parson’s infrastructure and economic development priorities, the goal of the Trade Mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade.

“International trade is important to Missouri’s success, and we look forward to meeting with business leaders in Germany and the Netherlands to expand our opportunities,” Governor Parson said. “Germany and the Netherlands are home to world-class companies, including many already growing in our state. Our goal is to strengthen these relationships while promoting Missouri as an ideal location for additional investment.”

The Trade Mission will include stops in Frankfurt and Düsseldorf, Germany, as well as Amsterdam and the Hague, Netherlands, to meet with government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion. Governor Parson will meet with company representatives that have existing relationships in Missouri to thank them for their investments in the state and companies without a presence in Missouri to encourage them to consider Missouri for future investments.

The nearly $902 million in goods exported to Germany and the Netherlands in 2021 show the importance of international trade to the state’s economic success. Among the goods exported to Germany, chemicals and pharmaceutical products were among those in highest demand. Pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and other electronic components ranked highly among exports to the Netherlands.

Germany Highlights

Governor Parson will take part in meetings with executives of several leading companies, including BASF, the largest chemical producer in the world, Bayer, a multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company, German airline Lufthansa, and more.

Meetings scheduled include Norman T. Scharpf, U.S. Consul General Frankfurt; Pauline Kao, U.S. Consul General Düsseldorf; Mona Neubaur, Deputy Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia; as well as several German companies with an existing presence in Missouri.

Netherlands Highlights

Meetings scheduled include Ms. Aleisha Woodward, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague and a commercial briefing from the U.S. Embassy Netherlands Country team. Governor Parson will also meet with several Netherlands companies to discuss future growth plans.

The Trade Mission is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization. For updates on the trip, follow @GovMikeParson on Facebook and @GovParsonMO on Twitter.

JULY 15, 2022

Jefferson City — On July 16, 2022, the newly designated 9-8-8, three-digit number, will route individuals to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where compassionate, accessible care and support are available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis. The 988 line is confidential and free for all. The Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, will continue to function. After July 16, 2022, both numbers will connect individuals to the same services.

"The launch of the 988 crisis line will establish a more streamlined and effective resource for Missourians in behavioral health crisis," Governor Parson said. "We know that when individuals are experiencing crisis the sooner we can connect them to support and provide assistance the better. The launch of 988 is an important step in addressing the mental health crisis and saving lives."

The 988 line will be the first step to engage individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. There are seven crisis centers in Missouri responsible for answering 988 contacts for the state. The trained crisis specialists at each center will listen, work to understand how the individual’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources. Crisis specialists will also have the ability to dispatch mobile crisis response teams for additional crisis response wherever the crisis is occurring in the community and based on the needs of the person.

“The Missouri Department of Mental Health is seizing this opportunity to advance current crisis services towards an evidence-based care continuum prepared to deliver high-quality behavioral health services statewide,” said DMH Director Valerie Huhn. “Providing consistent crisis care and support will be integral to reducing the burden on and misuse of law enforcement/emergency response and other public health services.”

While 988 is a national initiative, it is up to each state to ensure crisis services are available to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. After nearly two years of planning and preparation, Missouri’s 988 centers are prepared and ready to answer the projected 253,000 contacts (calls, texts, and chats) expected in the first year of the 988 implementation. 

For more information on 988 in Missouri, please visit https://dmh.mo.gov/behavioral-health/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline.

Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out by calling or texting 988, or chatting at https://988lifeline.org/.

Provided is a link to the 988 media toolkit: https://sites.google.com/view/mdmh988toolkit/home.

JULY 8, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced three judicial appointments to the 7th and 22nd Judicial Circuits.

The Honorable Alisha O'Hara, of Kearney, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit.

Judge O'Hara currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Elizabeth Davis.

Ms. Rochelle Woodiest, of St. Louis, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. 

Ms. Woodiest currently serves as Treatment Court Commissioner for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Iowa State University and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University. She will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Thomas McCarthy as Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Craig Higgins, of St. Louis, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. 

Judge Higgins currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Drake University. He will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable James E. Sullivan.

JULY 8, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced five appointments to various boards and commissions and filled two county office vacancies. 

Rachel Boyce, of Goodson, was appointed as the Polk County Collector of Revenue.

Ms. Boyce has served as Deputy Collector for the Polk County Collector of Revenue's Office since 2012. Prior to her position with the county, she worked at Bolivar Family Chiropractic as a Chiropractic Assistant. Ms. Boyce earned her Associates of Arts in business from Axia College of Western International University.

Joshua Ford, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Mr. Ford has been in the funeral industry for over 13 years. He currently is the Vice President of Ford & Sons Funeral Home Inc., and President of Ford & Sons Funeral Home – Jackson Inc. Since 2017, Mr. Ford has been Managing Partner, Manager/ Funeral Director, and Apprentice Funeral Director for State Financial Services, LLC. He earned his Bachelor of Science in management from Arkansas State University and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Illinois University.

Brandon Henry, of St. Louis, was appointed to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Mr. Henry has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Henry Funeral & Cremation Services since 2016. Prior to serving as CEO, he served as the Funeral Director of Eddie Randle & Sons Funeral Home. In addition to his experience in the funeral industry, Mr. Henry served as a Police Officer for the St. Louis County Police Department for seven years. He earned a Associate of Applied Science in funeral directing from St. Louis Community College. 

Taylor Howe, of Lebanon, was appointed to the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

Mr. Howe serves as the Vice President of Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home. He also served as Funeral Director and Embalmer at Butler Funeral Home for four years. Mr. Howe earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Southwest Baptist University and gained his Associate of Applied Science from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services.

Cynthia Lee, of West Plains, was appointed as the Howell County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Lee has served as Chief Deputy Clerk for the Howell County Circuit Clerk's Office since 2017 and has over 20 years experience working in the Office. Ms. Lee holds a certificate of completion in accounting I & II from the American Institute of Banking and a certificate in office administration and technology from South Central Vocational Tech.

Debbi McGinnis, of Bolivar, was appointed to the State Tax Commission.

Ms. McGinnis currently serves as the Collector of Revenue for Polk County and has held the position for the past 27 years. She has been in the finance industry since 1981 working in various roles, including as a teller for Commerce Bank, bank officer at Farmers State Bank, and student loan representative for the State of Missouri. She was named the National Outstanding Collector by the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers, and Finance Officers in 2021. Ms. McGinnis earned her Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from Missouri State University and her Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in finance from the University of Missouri St. Louis.

Dr. Andrew Moore, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors.

Dr. Moore is a physician and the Medical Director at Southeast Cancer Center in Cape Girardeau. Additionally, he currently serves as the Medical Director for Southeast Home Health and Hospice and Outpatient Palliative Care Service Line, Assistant Medical Director at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, and as a member of the Veeva Systems Medical Advisory Board. Dr. Moore earned his Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

JULY 5, 2022

Jefferson City — For the month of June 2022, Governor Mike Parson granted nine 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. 

To review the names of the individuals granted clemency, please see attached. Governor Parson has instructed his legal team to continue reviewing clemency files and working to reduce the backlog inherited by his administration. 

6-30-2022 Pardons.pdf

JULY 1, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Parson announced that he is vetoing HB 2090, SB 724, HB 1720, and HB 1667. In response to his vetoes of HB 2090 and HB 1720, Governor Parson is planning a special session to pass permanent tax relief for all Missouri taxpayers and to extend the sunset on key agricultural tax credits.

HB 2090

For those who had tax liability in 2021, HB 2090 authorized one-time $500 tax rebates for individuals making less $150,000 per year and $1,000 rebates for joint filers making less than $300,000 per year. Since the rebates on tax liability would be pro-rated due to the program being underfunded, no taxpayer would receive the advertised maximum rebate. Many working Missourians, including low-income earners, high-income earners, and vulnerable populations, were left out of this temporary relief measure entirely. 

Alternatively, Governor Parson is proposing permanent tax relief for all taxpaying Missourians. As the nation and Missouri face record inflation, historically high gas prices, and rising food costs, Governor Parson wants to provide permanent tax relief that provides yearly savings to Missourians, as opposed to a one-time stimulus. 

"I have always advocated for reducing Missourians' tax burden and support the spirit of this legislation, however, the reality is, we can do better for all Missouri taxpayers than HB2090, and I want to focus on a comprehensive and permanent tax reform package," Governor Parson said.

"We have managed our state resources responsibly and our consistent investment in workforce development and infrastructure is providing a strong foundation for Missouri. Now is the time to take additional steps to help alleviate the strain on Missouri families. Permanent tax cuts that provide real relief to families, senior citizens, the working class, and small businesses every year is a better answer to the inflationary pressures we face, and we look forward to getting it done," Governor Parson said. 

Tenants of Governor Parson's proposed tax plan include reducing the individual income tax rate, increasing deductions and allowances for taxpayers, and further simplifying the tax code.

HB 1720

HB 1720 established several new agricultural tax credit programs and re-authorized existing ones, however, the sunsets on the tax credits were only extended for two years. 

"These two-year extensions are problematic and reduce the benefit to Missouri farmers and business owners," Governor Parson said. "Applicants often need a minimum of 24 months in order to secure the equity and private investment needed for projects. When a program is only guaranteed for a partial period of a projects development, businesses are less likely to invest."

"This year the General Assembly authorized longer sunsets for a number of other tax credit programs, and as agriculture is Missouri's top economic driver, it's only right that we offer Missouri farm families - the foundation of our economy - with the same opportunities as others. We must extend these key agriculture tax credits for a minimum of six years," Governor Parson continued.

Governor Parson's special session plan for agriculture tax credits and related priorities includes: 

• Extending the sunset on agriculture tax credits included in HB 1720 for a minimum of six years rather than two; 
• Exempting certain agricultural equipment from state and local sales tax; and
• Modifying the Family Farms Act to increase the number of small farmers that qualify for the program, and increasing the amount of loans available to the farmer.

“We support the Governor’s call to fully extend these agricultural tax credits that are critical for our state’s agriculture industry, ensuring it maintains pace with competing industries and the needs of Missourians,” said Senator Jason Bean and Representative Brad Pollitt. “The goal has always been to provide longer extensions for these tax credits. Last session began with an Ag bill that extended these credits for six years but ended with support for two years. While it was certainly our priority to address this in next year’s session, we respect the Governor for calling us back to finish the job and support Missouri’s number one industry. The important issues in this bill have not changed, and we remain committed to working to address the needs of agricultural communities across the state.”

Both permanent tax relief and agriculture tax credits subjects will be addressed during a special session later this year. Governor Parson is currently working with legislative leaders to identify a date for the special session call. 

Once a date is selected, additional details and proposed bill language will be released.

To view the veto letters, see below. 

• 2022.07.01 SB 724 Veto Letter Scan.pdf
• 2022.07.01 HB 2090 Veto Letter Scan.pdf
• 2022.07.01 HB 1667 Veto Letter Scan (1).pdf
• 2022.07.01 HB 1720 Veto Letter Scan.pdf