FEBRUARY 1, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 22-02 declaring a State of Emergency in Missouri and activating the Missouri National Guard in preparation for the severe winter storm forecasted to affect most of the state over the next two days, including significant accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice. 

"Severe winter weather isn't something we are strangers to here in the State of Missouri, but we must be prepared for the worst," Governor Parson said. "By signing this Order, we enable our emergency management professionals to have every tool and resource available to aid Missourians, protect lives, and respond to this winter storm. We encourage all Missourians to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid hazardous road conditions and keep themselves and their families safe."

Executive Order 22-02 activates the State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to assist local jurisdictions with emergency preparation and response. In anticipation of potential travel disruptions, members of the Missouri National Guard are activated to be positioned around the state and assist the Missouri State Highway Patrol with stranded motorists if the need arises.

More than half of the state is currently under a Winter Storm Warning. Wintry precipitation is forecasted to begin in northern Missouri by early Tuesday evening and spread southeastward through the night and into early Wednesday. The National Weather Service is forecasting central Missouri could see localized amounts of 8-15 inches in accumulation.

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency continues to work closely with the National Weather Service (NWS), the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to coordinate response as well as plan for potential resource requests. The State Emergency Operations Center will activate at a Level 3 at 5 p.m. tonight, with key personnel on duty overnight, including an embedded NWS meteorologist.

A list of precautionary measures Missourians should take to stay safe during extreme winter weather is below:

• Follow their local weather forecast for updates, along with news coverage of local conditions and the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.
• Avoid travel if at all possible over the next couple days.
• If travel is necessary, allow extra time, slow down, and increase following distance. Ensure the gas tank is full, dress appropriately for the conditions, and have an emergency kit that contains snacks, water, phone chargers, blankets, flashlights, etc.
• If stranded, plan for potential response delays. Stay in the vehicle while waiting for help.
• Beware of black ice, particularly on bridges and overpasses as well as other elevated surfaces.
• Regularly check on the elderly and those who may need additional help.

Missourians can learn more winter weather safety tips at www.mo.gov/winter-weather-safety. To stay up to date on changing roads conditions, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Map at traveler.modot.org/map/.

Executive Order 22-02 will terminate on March 3, 2022, unless otherwise extended. For more information and to view Executive Order 22-02, click here.

FEBRUARY 1, 2022

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson has granted 17 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 are being sent to the individuals.

In the interest of privacy, the Governor's Office will not immediately release the names of the individuals granted clemency so that appropriate communications can be made to families. The information will be made available once families are notified.  

JANUARY 31, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson released the following statement refuting the misinformation surrounding Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Don Kauerauf's confirmation hearing before the Missouri Senate. 

"Back in July, after months of careful vetting and interviews, we selected Don to lead DHSS because he was the best qualified candidate for the job. He is an experienced public health professional with a disciplined moral compass that is guided by our Missouri principles: Christian values, family values, and love for this nation. 

During Don's six months leading DHSS, he has shown nothing but dignified public service to the people of Missouri, and during this same period, Missouri has always resisted COVID-19 mandates, prevented federal government overreach, and fought COVID-19 vaccine requirements. 

Don has helped lead our state through this final chapter of the COVID-19 pandemic and has respected Missourians' constitutional rights every step of the way. During these past 22 months, my administration has never wavered in our opposition to COVID-19 mandates and will always stand for Missourians' rights and freedoms, and Don is no exception. 

To set the record straight, Don is strongly pro-life and anti-abortion and against government mandating mask wearing and COVID-19 vaccinations. Those were his views and beliefs when I appointed him, and they remain today. 

It's concerning to see certain Missouri officials grandstanding for purely political reasons and fueling fears without any regard for the truth. I implore Missouri Senators to assess the qualities of the person, not let themselves fall victim to misinformation repeated on social media.

If Senators or Missourians alike have any questions regarding why Don is the right choice to continue leading DHSS, my office is ready and available to address any concerns."

JANUARY 28, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson appointed the Honorable Corey K. Herron as Circuit Judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit, which includes Nodaway, Atchison, Holt, Gentry, and Worth counties. He will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Roger M. Prokes.

Judge Herron, of Rock Port, currently serves as an Associate Circuit Judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit in Atchison County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

JANUARY 28, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson appointed the Honorable Heather R. Cunningham as Circuit Judge for Division 3 of the 21st Judicial Circuit. She will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Sandra Farragut-Hemphill.

Judge Cunningham, of Ballwin, is currently an Associate Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law.

JANUARY 28, 2022

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

Joseph Blanner, of Eureka, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority. 

Mr. Blanner is an attorney member with McCarthy, Leonard & Kaemmerer and has more than 20 years of legal experience. He has earned the Roy F. Essen Outstanding Young Lawyer Award from the St. Louis County Bar Association, Citizen of the Year award from the City of Eureka, and been included in a 40 Under 40 publication by the St. Louis Business Journal. Mr. Blanner is Co-Founder and President of Construction Forum STL and Construction Forum Education Foundation. He is also a board member of the University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor's Council and Past-President of the UMSL Alumni Association. Mr. Blanner earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and his Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Public Administration from Saint Louis University.

Kristal Hiner, of Perry, was appointed as the Ralls County Clerk. 

Ms. Hiner has been with the Ralls County Clerk's Office since 2008, most recently serving as Deputy County Clerk for over 12 years. She earned a certificate in administrative assistance from Jefferson College. Ms. Hiner is a United State Air Force veteran, serving from 1992 until her honorable discharge in 1998. 

Rabbi Yosef Landa, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission.

Rabbi Landa, the child of Holocaust survivors, is the regional director of Chabad of Greater St. Louis, the eastern Missouri headquarters for the global Chabad movement, offering Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and affiliations. Rabbi Landa founded and has directed the annual accredited Jewish Law & Ethics Symposium since 1994. He serves as an educational instructor for the Jewish Learning Institute and serves as a frequent lecturer at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. He was also the first recipient of the St. Louis Jewish Federation's Adult Education Professional Excellence Award. For over a decade, Rabbi Landa served as the chairman of the St. Louis Rabbinical Council and is currently an adjunct associate professor of philosophy at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Rabbi Landa graduated from the Rabbinical College of America and was awarded graduate and post-graduate degrees and rabbinic ordination from the Central Chabad Yeshivah and the Kollel Academy of Higher Jewish Learning in New York City.

Chrissy Nardini, of Creve Coeur, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority. 

Ms. Nardini is the President of American Metals Supply, a position she has held since 2006. She has been with the company since 1997, previously serving as the Director of Special Projects and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Nardini is a member of the Young President's Organization and is a board member of Affiliated Distributors, Kelly Mitchell Group, Inc., and Commerce Bank’s Advisory Board. She is also the President of the Board of Governors for SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation and is a BackStoppers board member. She was recognized as one of the Most Influential Business Women in 2018 by the St. Louis Business Journal. Ms. Nardini holds a Bachelor of Science in accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Kevin Rosenbohm, of Graham, was reappointed to the Air Conservation Commission. 

Mr. Rosenbohm has owned and operated Rosenbohm Farms, a diversified agriculture operation, since 1978. He has also owned and operated Graham Seed Cleaning and Graham Seed, LLC since 1994. Mr. Rosenbohm serves as a member of the Agriculture Advisory board for Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska, Graham Community Betterment Association, and Graham Park Board. He earned a Bachelor of Science in farm operations from Northwest Missouri State University.

John Schoen, of Jackson, was appointed to the State Milk Board. 

Mr. Schoen is the Manager and President of Schoen Farms, a family farming operation since 1858 that cares for 300 milk cows. He is a member of the board of directors for Prairie Farms and the St. Louis Dairy Council. Mr. Schoen is a member of the Missouri Holstein Association, National Holstein Association, and Cape County Farm Bureau. He also serves as the Dairy Fair Superintendent for the Southeast Missouri District Fair.

David Spence, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority. 

Mr. Spence is the Chairman of Legacy Packaging, a position he has held since 2013. He is also the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Packaging. Mr. Spence is a former member of the Regional Business Council and St. Louis Sports Commission and current member of the St. Louis Regional Economic Development Corporation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in consumer economics from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Jody Vance, of Iberia, was appointed as the Miller County Collector of Revenue.

Ms. Vance previously served as the Chief Deputy Clerk for the Miller County Collector of Revenue's Office. Prior to joining the Collector's Office, she was a Loan Officer for the Maries County Bank for nearly 14 years. Ms. Vance received a certificate in secretarial administration from the Waynesville Vocational Technical School.

JANUARY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Thursday, January 27, 2022

Governor Parson to attend Workforce & Higher Education Roundtable 

          When:     10:15 - 11:00 a.m.

          Where:   Northwest Missouri State University, J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom 

   800 University Dr., Maryville, MO 64468

          Media:     Open

Governor Parson to attend luncheon hosted by Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial board members

          When:     12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

          Where:    611 W. 8th St., Kansas City, MO 64105

          Media:     Closed

Governor Parson to briefly tour Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial

          When:     1:15 - 1:30 p.m.

          Where:    174 E. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108

          Media:     Open

JANUARY 21, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced a specialized medical team of U.S. military personnel, which includes doctors and nurses, is being deployed to the St. Louis region to support hospital staff strained by COVID-19. The team is expected to be in place at BJC Christian Hospital next week.

“We’re pleased that in response to the State of Missouri’s request through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Navy will be deploying a 40-person team of military medical personnel,” Governor Parson said. “This team will help support our dedicated local medical professionals who work hard each day to care for Missourians. The best way Missourians can help aid our hospitals and health care workers is by considering vaccination to protect themselves and their families.”

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), through a mission assignment with FEMA, coordinated the deployment of the 40-member U.S. Navy team following a request from the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force. Previously, SEMA assisted with the deployment of a 17-member Health Care Task Force with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support staff at Research Medical Center in Kansas City. That team has been supporting the hospital since January 7 by assisting with emergency department decompression and was granted an extension to continue providing care through February 4. 

FEMA is also providing Direct Federal Assistance as requested by SEMA through two AmeriCorps teams to help at community testing sites and other local COVID-19 support activities. AmeriCorps St. Louis is supporting testing in St Charles, St. Louis, and Springfield. An AmeriCorps team out of the Southwest Region is supporting testing sites in the Kansas City area.

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is granting variance requests for extending waivers of rules under 19 CSR 30-21 authorized during the State of Emergency that allow regulatory flexibility for expanded bed capacity to Missouri hospitals and health care partners experiencing COVID-19 strain.

JANUARY 19, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson delivered the 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri General Assembly. 

Following a recap of 2021 and Missouri's Bicentennial year, Governor Parson proclaimed that Missouri is strong today and will be even stronger tomorrow.

Governor Parson's speech focused on budget priorities and America Rescue Plan Act spending goals for 2022: workforce and education, infrastructure, agriculture, community development, health care, and public safety. 

"With a historic budget surplus and federal dollars coming to our state, we want to build on our past momentum to capture even greater opportunities for the future of Missourians," Governor Parson said. "When other states will be filling spending gaps and budget shortfalls, we will be making investments in the future, because in Missouri, we took a common sense approach to the pandemic, never shutdown businesses, and have always had a conservative and balanced budget."

Workforce and Education

During his speech, Governor Parson expressed that now is the time to double down on workforce development and skill up Missouri's workforce. To do this, Governor Parson called for the Missouri Fast Track program to be permanently established, $31 million for colleges and universities through MoExcels, and $20 million for the state's 57 area career centers. 

To further support the education of Missouri's children, Governor Parson proposed multiple investments in K-12 education, including fully funding the Foundation Formula and raising starting pay for Missouri teachers to $38,000 per year.

"Last year, 95 percent of Missouri schools saw the value of in-person learning and did the right thing by keeping their doors open and our kids in schools where they belong," Governor Parson said. "We know the vast majority of Missouri educators get it right day-in and day-out, and no one in this chamber would be where they are today without quality educators in their lives, myself included."

For Missouri Higher Education, Governor Parson called for nearly $470 million to fund the top capital improvement projects at state community colleges and four-year institutions. Combined, Governor Parson recommended nearly $600 million in higher education investments that are expected to generate over $1.1 billion in economic impact for the state, strengthen communities assets, and bolster workforce development programs. 

Governor Parson also recognized that in order for Missouri to be successful, the state must recruit and retain talented public servants across state government. To do this, Governor Parson called on the General Assembly to pass an immediate 5.5 percent cost of living adjustment for all state employees. 

Infrastructure

To build on the state's past successes, Governor Parson again called for major investments in infrastructure, including $75 million for the Transportation Cost-Share program established by his administration in 2019, $100 million for low-volume roads across the state, and $400 million for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.  

Additionally, Governor Parson called for $400 million toward broadband expansion projects statewide, the single largest broadband investment in state history. This proposal would connect 75,000 households, expand access to rural areas and underserved urban areas, and update and expand wireless networks across the state. 

Agriculture

Governor Parson also reminded the General Assembly of the continued need to support Missouri agriculture, the state's number one economic driver. 

To help ensure the agriculture way of life remains strong and can be passed down to the next generations, Governor Parson called for $10 million to expand agriculture innovation and workforce programs.

Community Development 

Governor Parson announced, that with the General Assembly's approval, the state can make meaningful long-term investments in local communities by allocating $250 million for a statewide revitalization program. With local matching, this competitive grant program will encourage strategic local investments to revitalize communities spur local economic recovery and growth. 

Additionally, Governor Parson expressed how more citizens and travelers are experiencing Missouri's great outdoors. To complement this state asset, expand tourism, and drive small business growth and job creation, Governor Parson proposed investing $69 million to begin construction of the Rock Island Trail, which will become the largest circular rail-to-trail network in the United States. 

Health Care

The COVID-19 pandemic further revealed the need to strengthen health care networks across the state. That is why Governor Parson proposed $34 million to increase telehealth and telemedicine services in rural communities and the construction of a new multi-agency health lab to increase cross-collaboration for safer, healthier Missourians. 

Additionally, Governor Parson called for doubling the capacity of Missouri's six Autism Centers to help more families navigate the challenges of diagnosing and treating autism as well as reduce wait times for families needing services. 

Public Safety

During his speech, Governor Parson expressed his continued support for Missouri's law enforcement officers. He also recalled last year when Missouri established the first law enforcement training academy at a Historically Black College and University at Lincoln University. 

"We must work to strengthen our communities by supporting our men and women in law enforcement and learn from the failed policies in other cities and states to never allow anti-law enforcement measures to take hold in this state," Governor Parson said. "In Missouri, we defend law enforcement, not defund them."

This year, Governor Parson proposed investing $11 million to upgrade Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academies and provide more scholarships for law enforcement officers to receive POST certification and put more officers on the streets. These investments will aid with recruitment and retention efforts statewide and help keep communities safer. 

Additionally, Governor Parson asked the General Assembly to invest nearly $140 million in certain community health centers across the state for vital capital improvements to help meet the increased demand for mental health and substance use disorder services.

Legislative Priorities

Governor Parson also called on the Legislature to establish a Cash Operating Expense Fund that sets aside 2.5 percent of general revenue to mitigate budget cuts and provide greater flexibility during emergencies.  

"With a Cash Operating Expense Fund, we can achieve financial stability when the rainy days come," Governor Parson said. "This is the responsible thing to do, this is the conservative thing to do, and this is the right thing to do."

2022 State of the State Special Guests

During his speech, Governor Parson also recognized special guests for their achievements and commitment to the people of Missouri:

• Michael McMillan – President and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis 
• James Clark – Vice President of the Division of Public Safety and Community Response, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis 
• Pastor John Modest Miles – Pastor, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church
• Janet Miles-Bartee – Executive Vice President, Local Investment Commission (LINC)
• Colonel Russell Kohl – Commander of the 131st Medical Group, Missouri National Guard
• Shanisha Alexander – Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant Recipient, Bolivar Technical College
• Bryan Webb – Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant Recipient, Bolivar Technical College
• Beth Houf – 2022 National Principal of the Year, Fulton Middle School
• Northland Career Center
  • Audrey Strope – Law Enforcement/Crime Scene Investigation Student
  • Nate Wassam – Law Enforcement/Crime Scene Investigation Student 
• Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center
  • Nicholas Hodges – Computer Networking and Security Student
  • Lydia Strickland – Graphic Design Student
  • Anwyn Suhr – Digital Media Student
• Carthage Technical Center
  • Olivia Bourgault – Health Sciences Student
  • Danny Darland – Health Sciences Student
  • Carly Simpson – Health Sciences Student
• Nichols Career Center - Jefferson City School District
  • Cody Elliot – Welding Student
• Pike-Lincoln Technical Center
  • Destyni Gabel – Building Trades and Construction Student
  • Haley Dowell – Auto Collision Student
  • Joel Mound – Diesel Technology Student
• Paris FFA Chapter
  • Chris Ebbesmeyer
  • Carlee Long
  • Kendall Mason
  • Miranda Billings
  • Katrina Thomas
  • Maggie Cummins
  • Baylee Wade
  • Morghan Crane
  • Josh Bondy – Advisor
  • Audrey Nobis – Advisor
• Colton Beck – Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper

Governor Parson concluded today’s State of the State Address by recalling when Corporal Jared Schmitz made his final return home and he witnessed the true strength of Missouri: its people.

"When times are hard, Missourians move forward. When someone is down, Missourians lift them up," Governor Parson said. "These past years have been tough and dividing for a lot of people, but Missourians stay true; they give their best; and they always put others first."

"When we look to the future and not dwell in the past, when we find solutions instead of problems, when we stand together instead of apart, we can accomplish anything. We must always Keep Pushing Forward in this state, because no one is coming to do it for us," Governor Parson continued. "Missouri is STRONG today and will be EVEN STRONGER tomorrow."

To view a full transcript of Governor Parson’s speech, special guest bios, and Missouri's top rankings, please see attachments. To view the FY2023 Budget in Brief, please click here. To view the America Rescue Plan Act spending plan, please click here. The FY23 Executive Budget will be available here at 3 p.m. Pictures from today's events will be available on Flickr.

• ARPA-Infrastructure.pdf
• ARPA-Healthcare.pdf
• 2022 SOTS Special Guests.pdf
• ARPA-Economic.pdf
• missouri-top-rankings-white-sheet-jan2022.pdf
• 2022 SOTS Address - Governor Mike Parson.pdf

JANUARY 19, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in the City of St. Louis, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Thursday, January 20, from sunrise to sunset in honor of St. Louis Fire Department Firefighter Benjamin James Polson. 

On January 13, Firefighter Polson was among the firefighters who responded to a fire at a two and a half story brick structure in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of St. Louis. After conducting a rapid primary search for victims and quickly extinguishing flames on the first floor, Firefighter Polson was among the firefighters who advanced to the second floor to search for victims and continue fighting the blaze. Firefighter Polson was killed when the roof and top story of the structure collapsed, burying him.

Polson, 33, had served with the St. Louis Fire Department since November 2019. 

“Benjamin Polson was a second-generation firefighter with the St. Louis Fire Department who cared about the people with whom he served and those in the community whose lives he touched each day,” Governor Parson said. “Firefighter Polson died in the line of duty, willingly taking on risks in a highly dangerous profession so that others in St. Louis could be safer. He will always be remembered as an honorable, dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice because of his commitment to the well-being of others.”

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