Governor Parson Announces COVID-19 Related State of Emergency to Expire on December 31

DECEMBER 30, 2021

 — Governor Mike Parson announced that Missouri's COVID-19 related State of Emergency will expire and not be renewed on December 31, 2021. Governor Parson first issued an Executive Order (EO) declaring a State of Emergency existed due to COVID-19 on March 13, 2020. 

"Thanks to the effectiveness of the vaccine, widespread efforts to mitigate the virus, and our committed health care professionals, past needs to continue the state of emergency are no longer present," Governor Parson said. "Over the last 22 months, we have coordinated with local, state, and private partners to mitigate COVID-19 and work towards returning to normalcy. We all now know how to best fight and prevent serious illness from this virus. The State stands ready to provide assistance and response, but there is no longer a need for a state of emergency."

Governor Parson extended the COVID-19 related State of Emergency five times before issuing a final targeted executive order for health care needs in August 2021. Currently, only three of Missouri's border states and 20 other states in the nation have state of emergencies related to COVID-19 in place. 

At one time, nearly 600 statutory and regulatory waivers were approved across Missouri state government. Since that peak, waivers have reduced by nearly 80 percent. All remaining COVID-19 related waivers authorized under EO 21-09 will terminate on December 31, 2021. 

Agencies, boards, commissions, and departments are able to pursue rulemaking if permanent changes to regulations are needed after December 31 to improve long-term outcomes for Missourians, health care facilitates, and businesses. The General Assembly can also make any needed policy changes when they return for the 2022 legislative session on January 5. 

The state has communicated to its health care partners that there will be flexibility during a transitional period to fully resume pre-pandemic operations.

With the expiration of EO 21-09, the Missouri National Guard will no longer be activated for COVID-19 related missions. 

"In Missouri, we never had mandates or forced lockdowns," Governor Parson said. "The main focus of our state of emergency was to provide regulatory flexibility to support and assist Missourians, health care facilities, and businesses and coordinate a COVID-19 response that saved lives and livelihoods. We encourage all Missourians to consider COVID-19 vaccination and to stay diligent, but we can work together to fight COVID-19 while living our normal lives. It is time to take this final step and move forward as a state."

The best method to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 is vaccination, and more and more Missourians continue choosing to get primary and booster vaccinations. In the month of December alone, more than 565,000 doses of vaccine were administered and 42 percent were part of a primary vaccine series. 

Nearly 94 percent of Missourians 65 and older, the most vulnerable, have received at least one dose. More than 73 percent of Missourians 18 and older and over 62 percent of all Missourians have chosen to initiate vaccination. 

Governor Parson Makes Five Judicial Appointments

DECEMBER 30, 2021

JEFFERSON CITY Today, Governor Mike Parson announced five judicial appointments to the 17th, 20th, 21st, and 38th Judicial Circuits. 

Kaitlyn Roach will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Johnson County in the 17th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Roach will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable W. Sue Dodson. The appointment will become effective on January 3, 2022.

Ms. Roach, of Warrensburg, currently serves as an attorney with Lance A. Riddle Law Office. She holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Central Missouri and a Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law.

 

Ryan J. Helfrich was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Helfrich will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Isidore I. Lamke.

Mr. Helfrich, of Washington, currently serves as a partner at Helfrich, Hotz, Brandt, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in community and regional planning from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

 

Krista Peyton was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for St. Louis County in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Peyton will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Virginia Lay to Circuit Judge.

Ms. Peyton, of St. Louis, currently serves as General Counsel for the St. Louis Housing Authority. She holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Southeast Missouri State University and both a Master of Arts in political science and a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University.

 

The Honorable Jessica Kruse was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 38th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Kruse will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Jennifer Growcock to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.

Judge Kruse, of Nixa, currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for Christian County in the 38th Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in crime and society/sociology from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law.

 

Steven Ward was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Christian County in the 38th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Ward will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Jessica Kruse to Circuit Judge.

Mr. Ward, of Nixa, currently serves as an attorney with McAfee & Taft. He holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Governor Parson Welcomes Wayne Wallingford, Valerie Huhn as Newest Members of Executive Cabinet

DECEMBER 29, 2021

 — Governor Mike Parson announced Wayne Wallingford as the new Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) and welcomed Valerie Huhn as the new Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH). 

Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Parson announced Wayne Wallingford will head DOR, effective January 3, 2022.

"Wayne has proven himself as a leader in state government and has extensive executive level management experience in the corporate world and as a decorated U.S. military veteran," Governor Parson said. "We look forward to him implementing his vision at the Department of Revenue and providing the best possible service to the citizens of Missouri."

Wallingford served in the Missouri State Senate from 2013 - 2020 and currently serves as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. 

Wallingford has also served as the Chief People Officer for the McDonald's corporation in Southeast Missouri, as the Vice President of Operations for iSOLD IT in Central Missouri, and in various regional management positions for the Taco Bell corporation.

In his nearly 25 years in the United States Air Force, he served as Chief of the Intelligence Division in the U.K. and Chief of the Electronic Intelligence Analysis Division in Hawaii, among other positions. 

During the press conference, Governor Parson also welcomed Valerie Huhn as a member of the Executive Cabinet and the next Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, effective January 1, 2022.

"Valerie has extensive knowledge and experience in state government and has been a key leader at DMH for nearly eight years," Governor Parson said. "Valerie replaces Director Mark Stringer who leaves behind some big shoes to fill, but we are confident in her abilities and excited to welcome her to the team."

Huhn has served as the Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health since 2020 and has been a part of the DMH Senior Management Team since 2014. She has a vast background in state government, which began in 2000 as a Budget and Planning Analyst for the Office of Budget and Planning. Huhn brings leadership experience from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Office of Administration, and the Department of Social Services.

On December 9, the Missouri Mental Health Commission announced it had selected Huhn to become the next DMH Director. 

Governor Parson Requests Federal Disaster Declaration for Seven Missouri Counties Due to Severe Storms and Tornadoes

DECEMBER 28, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approve a major disaster declaration for Missouri to provide federal assistance to a total of seven counties in response to severe storms and deadly tornadoes that swept across the state on the evening of December 10, resulting in extensive destruction. 

“Our local, state, and federal assessment teams have documented extensive damage to electric power systems and other public infrastructure as a result of the severe storms,” Governor Parson said. “Federal disaster assistance will be necessary to complete the permanent repair work and alleviate the burden of the costly damage experienced in these hard-hit communities.”

Governor Parson is requesting Public Assistance for Bollinger, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Pemiscot, Reynolds, and Wayne counties. If approved, local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies may seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged buildings, bridges, roads, and other public infrastructure.

The joint preliminary damage assessments, conducted by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), FEMA, and local officials estimated a total of more than $27 million in damage to public infrastructure and emergency response costs eligible for federal assistance.

On December 16, Governor Parson announced Missouri’s request for joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in Dunklin, Pemiscot and Reynolds counties. Bollinger, Iron, Madison, and Wayne counties were later added to the request on December 20, after more damage was documented locally. Both state and county thresholds set by FEMA must be met in order for a county to be included in the request for Public Assistance.

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) were hosted in Defiance on December 17, and Hayti on December 18, to assist disaster survivors with unmet needs. These MARCs served a total of 100 families.

Governor Parson Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Boone County Fire Protection Assistant Chief Bryant Gladney

DECEMBER 27, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Boone County, the Firefighter Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Bryant Gladney. 

Early on the morning of December 22, 2021, Assistant Chief Gladney was among the first responders who responded to a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 70 westbound, east of Columbia. While Assistant Chief Gladney and other Boone County Fire Protection District and EMS personnel worked at the accident scene, a tractor trailer struck fire service and EMS vehicles, killing Assistant Chief Gladney in the line of duty.

“We are deeply saddened that Assistant Chief Gladney tragically lost his life answering the call to assist others during an emergency,” Governor Parson said. “Chief Gladney had devoted his career to selflessly serving the people of Boone County and the State of Missouri. He mentored the next generation of firefighters to ensure they performed their duties safely and maintained the district’s proud traditions. We are grateful for his commitment to public service and are praying for his friends and family during this difficult time."

Bryant Gladney began his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with the Boone County Fire Protection District in 1986 and was promoted to Lieutenant of Station 1 in 1994. He was hired by the Fire District to serve as the EMS Education Program Manager in 2011 and was promoted to Captain in 2015.

Captain Gladney was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2020 and was assigned to lead the EMS Bureau. In 2021, Bryant assumed responsibilities for the Fire District’s Training Bureau, serving as Bureau Director. He also served as a Fire District Duty Chief.

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

ADDENDUM: Governor Parson Grants 18 Pardons, Commutes One Sentence

DECEMBER 27, 2021

 — On Wednesday, December 22, 2021, Governor Mike Parson granted 18 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.

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. 

 

12-22-2021 Pardons and Commutation.pdf

Governor Parson Grants 18 Pardons, Commutes One Sentence

DECEMBER 22, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson granted 18 pardons and commuted one sentence 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.  

Governor Parson Seeks Joint Damage Assessments in Anticipation of Request for Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Missouri

DECEMBER 16, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the state has begun the process to obtain federal disaster assistance for Missouri in response to severe storms and deadly tornadoes that swept across the state on December 10 leaving behind a trail of destruction, including extensive damage to electric power systems.

Governor Parson is requesting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) work with state and local partners to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) and review documentation from the following Missouri counties: Dunklin, Pemiscot, and Reynolds.

“Last Friday, a series of fast-moving severe storms affected several areas of Missouri, resulting in at least six tornadoes and causing two deaths,” Governor Parson said. “SEMA’s regional coordinators have helped local emergency managers with documenting extensive damage to public infrastructure, homes, businesses, electric power delivery systems, and emergency response costs in the impacted communities. Initial damage reports show a clear need for a formal review by FEMA as part of the federal disaster declaration process.”

The heaviest damage to electric cooperatives infrastructure occurred in Dunklin and Pemiscot counties, where over 20 large transmission towers and lines that transport power between New Madrid, Missouri and Dell, Arkansas, were destroyed or heavily damaged. Utility crews have rerouted power from other sources until more permanent work can take place. Power outages from the storms peaked late December 10 and overnight at more than 30,000 customers without power.

Joint Damage Assessment Teams are made up of local emergency managers and representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and FEMA. Working together, the teams assess and document storm damage. Requesting joint PDAs is one of the first steps the state must take in order to request the President declare a federal Major Disaster. Additional assessments may be requested as damage information is received from more counties.

The National Weather Service has confirmed the December 10 storms resulted in at least six tornadoes:

  • EF-0 in Wellsville (Montgomery County)
  • EF-1 in Branson West (Stone County)
  • EF-1 in Niangua (Webster/Wright County)
  • EF-2 in Ellington (Reynolds County)
  • EF-3 in Defiance (St. Charles County
  • NWS assessment teams continue to collect and survey storm damage to determine the EF rating for at least one deadly tornado in the Missouri Bootheel.

An 84-year-old woman was killed at her home in St. Charles County and a 9-year-old girl was killed at home in Pemiscot County during the storms.

SEMA is helping coordinate two comprehensive disaster assistance center events with volunteer and faith-based partners. These Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) will be open on Friday, December 17, and Saturday, December 18, and assist disaster survivors with unmet needs, including insurance information, food stamp replacement, emergency financial assistance, and legal services. More details are below:

MARC #1 – St. Charles County

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

150 Defiance Road, Defiance, MO 63341

Friday, December 17

4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

MARC #2 – Pemiscot County

Hayti Community Center

600 E. Washington Street, Hayti, MO 63851

Saturday, December 18

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Survivors are encouraged to attend one of the MARCs to receive in-person information and support services. Anyone impacted can also call United Way at 2-1-1 to be connected with recovery resources.

Governor Parson, Budget Leadership Announce FY 2023 Consensus Revenue Estimate

DECEMBER 14, 2021

 — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. 

The key figure in the CRE is the projected general revenue collections. Net general revenue collections in FY23 are expected to be $11.4 billion. This represents a 2.1 percent net general revenue growth over the estimated revenue for FY22. 

“I want to thank Senator Dan Hegeman and Representative Cody Smith for their hard work and collaboration in developing this revenue estimate,” Governor Parson said. “With general revenue expected to increase and large amounts of Missourian's federal tax dollars returning to our state, we have a great opportunity and responsibility to make smart, meaningful investments that serve Missourians now and into the future. We look forward to working with the General Assembly this session to create a balanced budget for the people of Missouri.”

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

The revised estimate for the current fiscal year (FY22) assumes a 0.5 percent decrease to $11.2 billion in net general revenue collections. Actual FY21 revenues were artificially high due to income tax filing date being moved from April 15 in FY20 to July 15 in FY21, resulting in two income tax filing dates in FY21. The FY22 revised estimate reflects a return to a single filing date in the fiscal year.

“I am pleased we were able to arrive at a consensus revenue estimate for FY23. The House, Senate, and Governor stand ready to work together to address the needs of Missourians through a balanced budget this upcoming legislative session,” said Senator Dan Hegeman, Senate Appropriations Chairman

“As we emerge from one of the most trying economic times in a generation, forecasting revenue growth is particularly important this year. Therefore, I'm pleased to put forward a conservative revenue estimate to which the House, Senate, and Governor have agreed,” said Representative Cody SmithHouse Budget Chairman

Governor Parson will detail his proposed budget for FY23 during the State of the State address in January.

State Assisting Missouri Communities Affected by Deadly Tornadoes and Severe Storms

DECEMBER 11, 2021

 — The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated and state agencies continue to assist Missouri communities affected by a series of strong tornadoes and severe storms that swept through the state Friday night, December 10. The storms killed at least two people and destroyed or did major damage to hundreds of homes and buildings, based on initial assessments.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life caused by this powerful-sustained storm system, and we are praying for the family and friends of those we have lost,” Governor Parson said. “The deadly tornadoes that swept through Missouri and neighboring states are a reminder that strong storms can take lives when people are at home or at work. I am grateful that our state and local response agencies along with the National Weather Service communicated the threat these storms posed early and were prepared to respond last night. Our state team members stand ready to assist and will be working with local partners to assess the damage in the coming days.”

At this time, the state has been able to confirm the below information resulting from last night's severe storms and tornadoes. 

In St. Charles County, a woman was killed at home and two others were hospitalized. In Pemiscot County, a young child was killed at home and at least nine people were transported to hospitals.

Also, a semi-truck driver on I-55 and a motorist on Missouri Route 84 were killed in Pemiscot County. Those deaths remain under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).

Through the overnight hours, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a total of 31 tornado warnings for Missouri. NWS assessment teams are in the field surveying storm damage and will determine EF tornado ratings.

Electric utility crews are continuing to work to restore power after outages peaked overnight with at least 30,000 customers without power. Outage figures have already been reduced to below 7,000.

The MSHP continues to assist local authorities in St. Charles County and southeast Missouri. Troopers have assisted with door-to-door searches and highway and road closures. The Missouri Department of Transportation has assisted with clearing debris and reopening highways. State Emergency Management Agency regional coordinators have been working with local partners to assess resource needs and preliminary damage estimates and will continue to do so in the coming days.

Earlier today, Governor Parson, along with Governors from other impacted states, spoke with President Joe Biden to coordinate state and federal resources for communities affected by yesterday's severe weather and tornadoes. 

The Office of the Governor, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Department of Public Safety (DPS), and other state agencies remain in constant communication with local emergency response personnel in affected areas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other federal partners to ensure Missouri communities are receiving the resources and assistance they need. 

Tomorrow, December 12, 2021, Governor Parson and members of his emergency management team will be in Defiance around 9:30 a.m. and then Pemiscot County communities around 12:20 p.m. to assess storm and tornado damage in the regions and visit with impacted Missourians.

"I want all Missourians who have been affected to know that my office and all of state government stands ready to assist them, and we are going to be on the ground in areas most impacted to learn just how best to do that," Governor Parson said. "We express our appreciation to the first responders, utility crews, and teams of volunteers who continue to work quickly to save lives, remove debris, and restore power."

Governor Parson to visit Defiance community 

          When:     9:30 a.m. (subject to change)

          Where:    38.6501811, -90.7759339

          Media:     Open - media avail to follow 

 

Governor Parson to visit Pemiscot County community

          When:     12:20 p.m. (subject to change)

          Where:    36.2080437, -89.7688300

          Media:     Open - media avail to follow 

 

Governor Parson to visit Pemiscot County community

          When:     1:00 p.m. (subject to change)

          Where:    36.1761600, -89.7688300

          Media:     Open - media avail to follow