JANUARY 18, 2022

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson announced today that the Show Me Strong Recovery Task Force has released its final report of recommendations to support small businesses across the state. In the report, the Task Force summarizes its findings and provides potential solutions related to workforce, supply chain, access to resources, broadband, and support for minority- and women-owned businesses.

“As our state's economy has recovered, it’s important to continue to support our small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy,” Governor Parson said. “We appreciate the work of the Show Me Strong Recovery Task Force members and the opportunities they identified to better address the challenges small businesses face. Their efforts have produced thoughtful recommendations designed to benefit hardworking business owners statewide.”

In addition to a seven-city listening tour, the Task Force worked closely with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses across Missouri. The analysis confirmed that businesses in some industries, such as hospitality and retail, were particularly negatively affected, and businesses across all sectors are experiencing ongoing difficulties with hiring, supply chain issues, and workforce challenges.

The Task Force provided recommendations to help alleviate some of these issues. A few of the recommendations are summarized below:

• Improve childcare availability and affordability to aid working families,
• Expand and promote hospitality industry apprenticeships, 
• Update and promote Missouri's Fast Track program,
• Streamline small business interaction with state agencies by creating a "One-Stop Shop" business portal, and
• Promote and enhance existing state programs and services to support small, women-, and minority-owned businesses

To view the full report of recommendations, click here. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our state in many ways, and Missouri small businesses are among those hardest hit,” said Anna Hui, Director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Chair of the Show Me Strong Recovery Task Force. “The Task Force represented a diverse array of public servants and business owners who worked hard to understand the difficulties everyday Missourians are facing. Our hope is these findings will be helpful in addressing the needs of business owners and securing a prosperous future.”

“The vast majority of businesses in our state are small businesses, and they’re critical to the health of our economy,” said Maggie Kost, Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “Members of the Task Force put in the work to hear directly from business owners and learn how we can partner with them. Given today’s major investment opportunities, it was vital we took the time to understand their needs.”

The Show Me Strong Recovery Task Force was formed last year through Executive Order 21-06 and was dissolved in December 2021. Its purpose was to study and develop recommendations on ways to support Missouri small businesses, including those that are minority- and women-owned. 

To learn more about the Show Me Strong Recovery Task Force or view its report of recommendations, visit https://ded2.mo.gov/show-me-strong-recovery-task-force.

JANUARY 11, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved his request for a major disaster declaration in response to severe storms and tornadoes in Missouri on December 10. Seven Missouri counties will receive federal assistance as a result of the Governor’s December 28 request, which included $27 million in identified qualifying disaster-related expenses.

“This federal disaster assistance will help relieve the financial strain on Missouri communities that were significantly impacted by the storms and help repair severe damage sustained by some Missouri electric power cooperatives and other essential public facilities,” Governor Parson said.  

FEMA’s approval means local governments and eligible nonprofits in Bollinger, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Pemiscot, Reynolds, and Wayne counties will receive reimbursements for emergency protective measures, response costs and repairs to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is developing an online video applicant briefing that will be available next week for local governments and eligible nonprofits in the seven counties that plan to apply for FEMA assistance. SEMA strongly encourages all eligible agencies to review the video in order to better understand program changes, eligibility information, the federal reimbursement process, documentation requirements, and other essential program information. All Requests for Public Assistance must be submitted to FEMA within 30 days of the January 10 disaster declaration date, or February 9.

• On December 10, severe storms and six confirmed tornadoes in Missouri killed two people and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and buildings, as well as 20 large transmission towers and lines that move power between New Madrid and Dell, Arkansas. 
• On December 16, Governor Parson announced Missouri’s request for joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in Dunklin, Pemiscot and Reynolds counties.
• On December 17 in Defiance and on December 18 in Hayti, Multi-Agency Resource Centers served a total of more than 250 disaster survivors with unmet needs.
• On December 20, Bollinger, Iron, Madison and Wayne counties were added to the request for damage assessments after more damage was documented locally.
• On December 28, Governor Parson requested that FEMA approve a major disaster declaration for Missouri to provide federal assistance to those seven counties.

JANUARY 7, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 22-1 to consolidate Missouri's early childhood advisory groups into one with the creation of the Missouri Early Childhood State Advisory Council. 

"Last year, we streamlined services to Missouri's children and families by consolidating the state's fragmented early childhood programs into the Office of Childhood. This year, we are further cutting bureaucracy, streamlining processes, and increasing the efficiency of state government with this Executive Order," Governor Parson said. "By moving multiple advisory groups into one, we can improve the overall effectiveness of the state's early childhood services and increase support to Missouri families."

Currently, there are two early childhood advisory groups with unique memberships - the State Interagency Coordinating Council and the Missouri Coordinating Board for Early Childhood (CBEC).

CBEC's primary purpose was to coordinate early childhood programs and services between DHSS, DSS, and DESE prior to the creation of the Office of Childhood. Given the integration of the state's early childhood programs into one office, CBEC is no longer necessary.

Executive Order 22-1 redesignates the federally mandated activities of CBEC to the Missouri Early Childhood State Advisory Council, whose membership will be shared with the State Interagency Coordinating Council. This action effectively establishes one early childhood advisory group with the ability to fulfill all necessary federal requirements.  

For more information and to view Executive Order 22-1, click here. 

JANUARY 5, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that the state, for the first time, will begin honoring first responders who are seriously injured in the line of duty as they carry out their official responsibilities. The Missouri Red, White and Blue Heart Award will be awarded for injuries sustained on the job, beginning with the year 2021.

“Our first responders courageously and selflessly risk their lives each day to apprehend criminals and protect their fellow Missourians, too often suffering serious injuries or even death because of their heroic actions,” Governor Parson said. “The new Red, White and Blue Heart Award will honor law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other emergency first responders whose extraordinary actions to protect others lead to serious injuries or death in the line of duty.”

The Missouri Medal of Valor Review Board, an 11-member panel appointed by the Missouri Governor, has approved the addition of the Red, White and Blue Award to the annual state public safety awards for which it reviews nominations and recommends honorees to the Governor. The new award is intended to recognize first responders who sustain injuries that require long-term treatment by a medical professional and involve considerable loss of time from duty. In cases in which a first responder is killed, the award will be presented to a family member.  

The Red, White and Blue Heart Award will be the first state award recognizing Missouri peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs or other emergency first responders seriously injured in the line of duty. For purposes of the award, “peace officer” includes persons serving as state or local corrections or court officers.

The application for the award for persons sustaining serious injuries in the line of duty during 2021 is available on the Missouri Department of Public Safety Medals website at https://dps.mo.gov/medal/. Nominations will only be accepted from the chief executive of the public safety agency that employs the nominee.

The nomination deadline is Feb. 28, 2022. A date has not been set for a ceremony recognizing the Red, White and Blue Heart Award recipients for injuries sustained in 2021.

The Medal of Valor Review Board reviews nominations and makes recommendations to Missouri’s Governor for the Missouri Medal of Valor and the Governor’s Medal (a team honor), awards that recognize first responders for heroic, life-saving acts.

The review board also reviews nominations and makes recommendation to the Governor for the Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award, which recognizes civilians who provide courageous assistance to public safety agencies during an emergency.

The review board includes members with experience in law enforcement, the fire service, corrections, and EMS. More information on the board is available here.   

JANUARY 3, 2022

JEFFERSON CITY Governor Mike Parson announced seven appointments to various boards and commissions and filled four county office vacancies. 

Ericka Baxter, of Highlandville, was appointed to the Air Conservation Commission.

Ms. Baxter currently serves as the Senior Environmental Director for CRH–Central West Division, which includes plants in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Ms. Baxter has earned multiple professional certifications, including a graduate certificate in environmental sustainability from Webster University, Certification of Visible Opacity Reading from Aeromet, Water Distribution Operator – II from Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Drinking Water Treatment Operator – D from Missouri Department of Natural Resources, OSHA HAZWOPER certification, Missouri and Kansas A/B Underground Storage Tank Operator, and Green Star Auditor from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Ms. Baxter earned her Master of Science in environmental management from Webster University.

Amy Brown, of New Madrid, was appointed as the New Madrid County Clerk.

Ms. Brown currently serves as a District Program Specialist II with the New Madrid County Soil and Water Conservation District. Previously, she served as the Deputy Clerk for the New Madrid County Collector's Office and Deputy Clerk for the New Madrid County Clerk's Office. Ms. Brown attended Southeast Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in general studies.

Sandy Dustman, of Jamesport, was appointed as the Daviess County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Dustman currently serves as the Deputy Clerk for the Daviess County Circuit Court, with more than 20 years of experience in this position. Ms. Dustman attended York Christian College in York, Nebraska, where she earned a secretarial management degree.

Dr. William Anson Elliott, of Fair Grove, was appointed to the Missouri State University Board of Governors.

Dr. Elliott has been in his current role with Convoy of Hope as Agriculture Senior Advisor since 2018, formerly serving as the Director of Missouri State University’s William H. Darr College of Agriculture from 1980 to 2016. Dr. Elliott previously served as a two-term president of the American Association of State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewal Resources. He also previously served 12 years as a USDA National Budget and Advocacy Committee Member for Agriculture Research, Teaching, and Extension. Dr. Elliott currently serves on the Missouri Ag Leaders of Tomorrow Board and the Missouri Farm Bureau Foundation Board. Dr. Elliott earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from the University of Missouri and completed his Master of Science and Ph.D. in agronomy plant breeding through the National Defense Education Act Fellowship.

Ann Kampeter, of Holts Summit, was appointed to the Missouri State University Board of Governors.

Ms. Kampeter previously served as Parish Secretary for St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, retiring in January 2021 after 15 years of service. Ms. Kampeter currently serves on the advisory board for Samaritan Center, as a trustee on the Missouri State University Foundation Board, and on the Development Committee of the Missouri State University Foundation Board. Ms. Kampeter earned a Bachelor’s of Science in communication science and disorders from Missouri State University.

David Christopher Martin, of Bernie, was appointed to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors.

Mr. Martin currently serves as managing owner and operator of Martin Landgrading, Martin Rice Company, and Martin Grain Company. Additionally, Mr. Martin serves on the Missouri Rice Advisory Board, the Rice Foundation Board, and the USA Rice Farm Policy Task Force. Currently, he is the chairman of the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council. Mr. Martin earned his Bachelor of Science in agribusiness from Southeast Missouri State University.

Dexter Martin, of Florissant, was appointed to the Harris-Stowe State University Board of Regents.

Mr. Martin currently serves as an Applicant Specialist, ESS, with the Ferguson-Florissant School District. He is retired from Spire Energy in Saint Louis after 14 years of service. Previously, he held a 24 year career with AT&T Corporation, a position which brought him to Missouri from New Jersey. He attended Rutgers College and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Fontbonne University.

Valerie Patton, of Saint Louis, was appointed to the Harris-Stowe State University Board of Regents.

Ms. Patton currently serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and President for the Greater St. Louis Inc., Foundation. Ms. Patton formerly worked with the St. Louis Regional Chamber, serving as Senior Vice President of Economic Inclusion and Workforce Development Strategies and Executive Director of the Chamber’s St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative. Ms. Patton is a current Adjunct Professor at the Washington University Brown School of Social Work, with previous Adjunct Professorship experience at Harris-Stowe College, and St. Louis Community College Forest Park. Additionally, Ms. Patton serves on the boards of United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Washington University Brown School’s Regional Steering Committee for HomeGrownSTL, and the Howard University School of Business. Ms. Patton recently received the 2021 St. Louis Business Journal’s “Most Influential Woman in Business” Award and the 2021 Webster University “Champion for All” Award.

Harry Roberts, of Saint Joseph, was appointed as the Missouri Military Advocate.

Mr. Roberts recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Prior to this, Mr. Roberts formerly served Buchanan County as Presiding Commissioner and President of the Buchanan County EMS Board. He also is involved with the operations of Roberts & Sons Senior Insurance Agency. He studied organizational communication at Northwest Missouri State University.

Stephanie Vestal, of Marshfield, was appointed as the Webster County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Vestal currently serves as the Chief Deputy Clerk for the Webster County Circuit Court, a position she has held for the last 15 years. Ms. Vestal attended Ozarks Technical College where she earned an Associates of Arts in Business Administration.

Michael Williams, of Doniphan, was appointed as the Ripley County Clerk.

Mr. Williams previously served over 24 years with US Bank, most recently as the Branch Manager Doniphan Market. He currently holds leadership positions on the Ripley County Transit Board, the Current River Sheltered Workshop Board, the Doniphan Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Ripley County Community Partnership Board, and the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Williams attended Three Rivers Community College where he earned an Associates of Arts.

DECEMBER 30, 2021

Jefferson City — 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. 

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.

DECEMBER 29, 2021

Jefferson City — 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. 

DECEMBER 28, 2021

Jefferson City — 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.

DECEMBER 27, 2021

Jefferson City — 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.