DECEMBER 10, 2021

Today, Governor Parson appointed the Honorable Janet L. Sutton to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District. Judge Sutton will succeed the Honorable Thomas H. Newton, who retired in July 2021.

Judge Sutton currently serves on the 7^th Circuit Court as a Circuit Judge. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications studies from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law. Judge Sutton previously served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Clay County and as an Associate Circuit Court Judge in the 7th Circuit Court.

DECEMBER 7, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Washington County, the Firefighter Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and fire houses statewide on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Belgrade Firefighter James Dale Jenkins. 

“We are saddened to learn of James Dale Jenkins’ passing. Firefighter Jenkins leaves a lasting legacy as a patriot and selfless public servant who cared deeply about the people of Missouri,” Governor Parson said. “He served courageously in the Vietnam War in the 1960s, and after returning home in 1970, he joined the Belgrade Volunteer Fire Department. Firefighter Jenkins made both Missouri and the nation safer through his more than 50 years of service.”

On December 3, Firefighter Jenkins was among the firefighters who responded to a structure fire in Potosi. He subsequently suffered a heart attack and died the same day. His death is considered to be in the line of duty. His funeral will be held on December 8.  

Firefighter Jenkins served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He joined the Belgrade Volunteer Fire Department in 1970 and rose to the rank of assistant chief, a position he held for more than 20 years, before stepping back and serving as a captain and then as a firefighter, so others could advance within the department.  

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

DECEMBER 6, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that he will recommend a 5.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and $15 per hour minimum base pay standard for all state employees across state government.

"With many positions across state government facing turnover rates anywhere from 10-100 percent and vacancy rates from 30-100 percent, it is past time for us to make these investments in our state workforce, which remains one of the lowest paid the nation," Governor Parson said. "Our direct care and front line staff often make less than entry-level retail positions. These public servants have tough jobs and rarely receive the thanks they deserve, and communities all across the state rely on them everyday."

The recommendation will be included in Governor Parson's Supplemental Budget request to be introduced at the beginning of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session, which begins on January 5, 2022, with the goal of passage before February 1, 2022. These salary adjustments will require General Assembly approval before they can go into effect. 

Governor Parson has recommended three percent and two percent COLA increases for state employees in past budgets, yet Missouri state employees continue to be among the lowest paid in the nation. On January 1, 2022, state employees will receive a two percent COLA increase.

If Governor Parson's FY 2022 supplemental budget is passed early by the General Assembly, state employees would receive an additional 5.5 percent COLA increase on February 1, 2022, along with increases for those making under $15 per hour and those affected by compression. 

The FY 22 supplemental budget pay plan proposal would cost $91 million, including $52 million in general revenue (GR). 

Going forward, Governor Parson's FY 23 pay plan proposal includes a similar 5.5 percent COLA recommendation and totals $218 million, including $123 million in GR.

"Veterans home care attendants, residential aids for vulnerable children, and highway workers are among the lowest paid state workers, yet they are critical to maintaining state services and increasing the quality of life for all Missourians," Governor Parson said. "These pay increases are necessary for our team members who provide dedicated service to Missourians day in and day out, and we are calling on the General Assembly to help us make these critical investments in our state workforce."

Governor Parson's Fiscal year (FY) 2022 supplemental budget recommendation includes:

• 5.5 percent COLA increase for all state employees;
• Increases to $15 per hour for any state employee making below that threshold; and
• Increases to address compression issues between pay grades after base pay increases to $15 per hour.

"I recognize the urgency and support an early supplemental," Missouri House of Representatives Budget Chair Cody Smith said. "This will ensure that the state is able to retain talented employees who will continue providing essential services to the citizens of our state."  

The 5.5 percent COLA increase is based on the average increase of four general structure adjustment economic indicators:

• Consumer Price Index for the Midwest – 6.4 percent;
• Employment Cost Index – 4.3 percent;
• World at Work Salary Budget Increases – 2.9 percent; and
• Personal Income – 8.3 percent.

"Despite regular pay increases, Missouri's state employees continue to rank among the lowest paid in the country," Missouri Senate Appropriations Chair Dan Hegeman said. "This pay plan proposal will raise the minimum base pay, reduce pay compression, and ensure Missouri is able to recruit and retain talented and dedicated public servants."

DECEMBER 3, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Parson appointed Judge Jennifer Growcock to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. Judge Growcock will succeed Judge Nancy Steffen Rahmeyer, who retired in October.

Judge Growcock earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in political science and psychology from the University of Iowa. She received a Juris Doctor from the University Of Nebraska College of Law.

Judge Growcock is active in her community as a member of the Ozark Rotary Club and both the Nixa and Springfield Chambers of Commerce.

DECEMBER 2, 2021

On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Governor Mike Parson granted 15 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 are being sent to the individuals.

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

• 11-30-2021 Pardons.pdf

DECEMBER 1, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson hosted a ceremony proclaiming December 2021 as Christmas Tree Month in Missouri. The proclamation was presented to winners of the Missouri Christmas Tree Association’s annual wreath and tree contests, which were held earlier this year at the association’s annual convention.

“A Christmas tree is a classic symbol of the holiday season,” Governor Parson said. “I can think of no better way to kick off this Christmas season than decorating a tree raised right here in Missouri. Tree farms located in all areas of the state make it easy to choose the perfect tree for every home and family.”

The 2021 winning tree and wreath come from Steve and Teresa Meier of Meier Horseshoe Pines in Jackson, Missouri. The Meier family began growing trees and family traditions at their small business in 1988 with a team of Belgian horses and a wagon to take visitors to handpick the perfect tree.

Today, the Meier family sells Christmas trees and fresh wreaths and operates a Christmas shop selling ornaments, decorations, and locally made products. The family is a multi-year winner of both the Christmas tree and wreath competitions.

This year’s tree in the Missouri Capitol is a Loblolly Pitch, a relatively new hybrid known for strong branches and fast growth. The tree is 10 feet tall and only four years old and was raised at Meier Horseshoe Pines from a seedling that originated at the Missouri State Forest Nursery in Licking.

To plan your family’s visit to a local Christmas tree farm in your area, visit MissouriGrownUSA.com or MissouriChristmasTrees.org.

DECEMBER 1, 2021

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

Robert Connell, of Troy, was appointed to the Amber Alert System Oversight Committee. 

Mr. Connell has been with the City of St. John Police Department since 2002 and has continuously advanced through the ranks to his current position as Police Chief. He also serves as the City Manager for the City of St. John. Mr. Connell served nearly 25 years in the United States Army Special Operations Command with 10 years in active duty service. He is a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association, and St. Louis Area City Managers Association. Mr. Connell earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications from Southwest Baptist University and completed his Missouri Peace Officer Class A Certification at the Eastern Missouri Police Academy. He also earned a Master of Social and Behavioral Sciences in sociology and criminal justice from Lincoln University. 

Leslie Meyer, of Benton City, was appointed as the Audrain County Eastern District Commissioner. 

Ms. Meyer is the owner of  Leslie A Meyer Photography, a business she has operated since 2017. She is also the owner of Social Solutions LLC, a social media marketing business. Ms. Meyer's photography work has won the Travel Missouri photography contest and has been featured in Teen Years magazine. Additionally, she and her husband own and operate a row crop and livestock farm in Audrain County. Ms. Meyer earned a Bachelor of Journalism from Central Missouri State University. 

Todd Nixon, of Parkville, was appointed to the Amber Alert System Oversight Committee. 

Mr. Nixon is a current Program Director for Steel City Media, a position he has held since 2017. Previously, he was a Program Director for iHeartMedia. Mr. Nixon has more than 13 years experience in radio broadcasting, music curation, marketing solutions, digital media, and other closely related fields.

Byron Roach, of Cameron, was appointed to the State Fair Commission.  

Mr. Roach is the Vice President of Public Relations and Special Projects for N.W. Electric Power Cooperative, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to his promotion as Vice President, he was the organization's Communications and Government Relations Manager. Prior to working at N.W. Electric Power Cooperative, he worked for Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative in Kearney, Missouri. He has worked over 28 years for the electric cooperatives. Mr. Roach is a past member of the Cameron Planning and Zoning Commission as well as a past Chairperson of the Platte City Economic Development Council. He has also served as a member of the Missouri State Fair Foundation since 2011. Mr. Roach earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial management from Southwest Missouri State University.

Becky Ruth, of Festus, was appointed as the Director of the Office of Child Advocate. 

Ms. Ruth has served as the Missouri State Representative from the 114th District since 2015. She served as Chair of the House Transportation Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight. She has previously served as a member of the House Committees on Children and Families, Health and Mental Health Policy, Appropriations for Health, Mental Health and Social Services, and Elementary and Secondary Education. Ms. Ruth is a retired educator of 25 years. Her teaching career includes 18 years with the Festus R-IV School District and seven years with the Blue Eye R-V School District. Ms. Ruth earned a Bachelor of Arts and teaching certificate from the College of the Ozarks. 

Peggy Seyler, of Houston, was appointed as the Texas County Clerk.

Ms. Seyler currently serves as the Interim Texas County Clerk and previously served as a Deputy Texas County Assessor. She also has more than 15 years experience as a Deputy County Clerk for the Texas County Clerk's Office. Ms. Seyler attended Texas County Technical School where she earned a Medical Administrative Assistant certificate. 

Michelle Wood, of Oronogo, was appointed to the Children's Trust Fund Board. 

Ms. Wood is the Director of Major Gifts for Missouri Southern State University and has served in that capacity since 2017. Prior to joining Missouri Southern State University, she was the Director of Talent Acquisition for Leggett & Platt, Inc. Ms. Wood has also served as the Executive Director and a Child Abuse Prevention Education Coordinator for Barceda Families. She has previously served as a Board Member for Southwest Missouri United Way, the Barton County Economic Development Corporation, and the Lamar R-1 School District. Ms. Wood earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Missouri Southern State University and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Pittsburg State University. 

NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson granted 15 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 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.  

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson's international trade mission to Israel and Greece has been postponed due to recent travel restrictions. Efforts to reschedule the trade mission are underway, additional details will be released once confirmed. 

"We are postponing our trade mission because we want to respect the travel policies and practices enacted by the host countries," Governor Parson said. "While we are disappointed that we have to postpone, delaying our trade mission is necessary and the best course of action to ensure the health and safety of our state leaders, private partners, and staff who were planning to join us. We look forward to traveling to Israel and Greece soon."

With Governor Parson's trade mission postponed, please see below for an updated weekly schedule. 

Governor Parson's Schedule for November 30 - December 3, 2021

On Tuesday, November 30, Governor Parson will travel to Kansas City to tour the Bishops' Storehouse and participate in the Giving Machines Grand Unwrapping Launch with Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints leaders. 

Governor Parson will also virtually meet with Missouri Realtors to provide an update on Missouri's strong economy. 

On Wednesday, December 1, Governor Parson will participate in the Capitol Christmas Tree ceremony outside the Governor's Office and host Freshman and Sophomore Missouri State Representatives for a reception at the Governor's Mansion. 

On Friday, December 3, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and Second Lady Claudia Kehoe will light the Governor's Mansion Christmas Tree for the opening night of candlelight tours. 

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Governor Parson to tour the Bishops' Storehouse 

          When:     11:00 - 11:40 a.m.

          Where:    4051 N. Kimball Dr., Kansas City, MO 64161

          Media:     Open

Governor Parson to participate in the Giving Machines Grand Unwrapping Launch 

          When:     12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

          Where:    Crown Center Square Plaza

                           2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106

          Media:     Open

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Governor Parson to participate in Capitol Christmas Tree ceremony 

          When:     1:30 - 2:00 p.m.

         Where:     Governor's Office (Rm. 216)

                           State Capitol 

          Media:     Open

Friday, December 3, 2021

Opening Night of Governor's Mansion Candlelight Tours with Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and Second Lady Claudia Kehoe

          When:     6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

         Where:    Governor's Mansion 

          Media:     Open

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Jefferson City — The 2021 Missouri Governor’s Mansion Christmas trees will arrive on Monday, November 29, 2021, between 7 a.m. - 8 a.m. A portion of Madison Street will be closed during this time.

The tree that will be displayed on the Mansion lawn is a 30 foot Norway Spruce donated by Steve and Carla Lieble of Columbia, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Lieble decided to donate their tree because the tree has grown too large for their front yard. The tree for the Mansion interior is a 20-foot Norway spruce supplied by Pea Ridge Forest in Hermann.

Missouri Department of Conservation staff will install the indoor tree, and Missouri Office of Administration staff will install the Mansion lawn tree. Members of the media are invited to cover the arrival and placement of the tree on the lawn. 

Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson also cordially invite families to attend this year’s Candlelight Tours and annual tree lighting ceremony at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion on Friday, December 3 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. As Governor Parson and First Lady Parson will be on their Trade Mission to Israel and Greece, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe and Second Lady Claudia Kehoe will light the 2021 Mansion Christmas tree at 6 p.m. on Friday. 

The Candlelight Tours will begin immediately following the tree lighting, and the Mansion doors will be open until 8 p.m. on Friday.

During the tours, visitors will be able to walk through the festively decorated ground floor of the Mansion. Tours will also be available on Monday, December 6, 2021, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

The Candlelight Tours are free and open to the public. Visitors will enter through the Madison Street gate.