JULY 2, 2021

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

Allen Brooks, of Poplar Bluff, was appointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

Mr. Brooks is currently the Fleet Operations Manager for McLane Livestock Transport, Inc., and he has been with the company since 1997. Previously, he served as a Traffic Engineer II for the City of Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Brooks is member of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies and previously served as Chairman of the Three Rivers Endowment Trust for 3 years. Mr. Brooks earned a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies and political science from Auburn University at Montgomery.

Kimberly Hatfield, of Knox City, was appointed as the Knox County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Hatfield has served as Deputy Circuit Clerk for the Knox County Circuit Court since 2015. Prior to joining the Knox County Circuit Court, she was a Fiscal Service Representative Manager for Hawkins Insurance Group. She has received a certificate in Office Management from Vatterott College and serves as a Regional Officer for Region 2 of the Missouri Professional Association of Court Clerks. Ms. Hatfield is also a member of the Missouri Farm Bureau and Knox County Senior Haven.

Rachel Lightfoot, of Bolivar, was appointed as the Polk County Clerk.

Ms. Lightfoot has been a Commercial Loan Assistant, Assistant Vice President, and Level III Universal Banker for 11 years with Bank of Missouri. Ms. Lightfoot has received training in consumer lending and banking systems from the Center for Financial Training and a certificate of Surgical Technologies from Ozark Technical Community College. Ms. Lightfoot’s appointment will be effective July 16, 2021.

Dr. Donald Eric Park, of Washington, was appointed to the Public School Retirement System of Missouri, Board of Trustees.

Dr. Park is co-founder of the LPL Financial office in Washington, Missouri. He also co-founded The Steamboat Financial Group. Dr. Park was a Vice President of Investments for Hilliard Lyons and an Investment Broker for AG Edwards & Sons. He taught economics for East Central College in Union, Missouri, and served in the United States Army before being honorably discharged. He served as president of the Washington Rotary Club and was a Rotary District Governor. Dr. Park was a member of the Missouri Credit Union Commission from 2005-2011. He is licensed in Life Insurance, Variable Life and Variable Annuity, and has FINRA Series 6, 7, and 8. He is also a Certified Financial Planner®, a Certified Fund Specialist, and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. Dr. Park received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lindenwood University, a Master of Science in personal financial planning and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He also holds a Master of Science in financial services from The American College.

LaJeana Peterson, of Paris, was appointed as the Monroe County Clerk.

Ms. Peterson serves as the Office Manager and a Accounts Receivable Specialist for Monroe Manor Nursing Home in Paris. Previously, she worked as a Government General Clerk II for Serco. Ms. Peterson is a licensed cosmetologist and certified Notary Public in the state of Missouri.

Diane Tague, of Gorin, was appointed as the Scotland County Collector of Revenue.

Ms. Tague is currently a Deputy Collector with the Scotland County Courthouse. She has over 21 years of accounting experience, having previously served as an Ancillary Service Assistant and Insurance Biller with Scotland County Hospital. Ms. Tague is a member of the Scotland County High School Band Fundraising Committee and is a volunteer with the Scotland County Association of Music Parents. She has previously served 10 years as chair of the Scotland County Relay for Life and 17 years on the Gorin R-III School District, including time as board president.

JULY 1, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) state operating budget bills that invest in critical infrastructure projects, support stronger communities, fund workforce development priorities, and increase pre-pandemic K-12 and higher education spending levels. 

"When the 2021 legislative session began, Missouri was still experiencing some of the hardest days of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which affected every state agency and Missourian," Governor Parson said. "Yet, the Missouri General Assembly stayed the course and delivered a balanced budget that responsibly allocates taxpayers' hard-earned money."

The Missouri FY22 state budget is approximately $35.6 billion, including $10.5 billion in general revenue. Additionally, Governor Parson issued 26 line-item vetoes, totaling nearly $115 million. To view the complete list of budget vetoes, click here. 

"Missouri's financial situation is vastly different from what we faced in 2020, and we applaud the General Assembly for recognizing this historic opportunity to make critical investments in the future of our state," Governor Parson said. 

Key investments in infrastructure projects keep the state moving forward and have helped establish Missouri as a top destination for business expansion. Improving Missouri's infrastructure will continue to remain a top priority for Governor Parson and his administration. The FY22 budget bills include: 

• $154.4 million for State Road Fund construction projects.
• $60.2 million in bonding authority for state park improvement projects.
• $21 million for maintenance and repair projects at State Highway Patrol facilities.
• $15 million for low-volume road maintenance and repair. 
• $10 million to increase broadband access in underserved areas. 
• $6.3 million for port capital improvement projects.

Governor Parson understands that education and workforce development initiatives must work hand-in-hand to prepare Missouri's next generations for the demands of the future. The FY22 budget will provide more Missourians with the education and training necessary to develop a skilled workforce by investing: 

• $252.7 million and 121 staff from various state agencies to support the newly created Office of Childhood. 
• $20.2 million over FY22 spending levels to four-year institutions of higher education.
• $13.2 million to support the A+ Schools Scholarship Program.
• $10 million for community colleges.
• $8.5 million to fully fund the foundation formula.
• $8.4 million for early childhood special education programs.
• $3.9 million to support the Bright Flight program.
• $2.7 million to support the Fast-Track Workforce Incentive Grant Program. 
• $2 million for State Technical College. 
• $2 million to grow Missouri's new and emerging high-tech industry.
• $750,000 for 12,000 additional students to take the ACT Work Keys and Career Readiness Assessment.
• $200,000 for the Main Street Program. 

During the 2021 State of the State Address, Governor Parson called on lawmakers to fund projects that strengthen the health and safety of communities all across the state. The FY22 budget will make real progress in strengthening communities by allocating:

• $166.3 million to increase development disability service provider rates.
• $15 million to establish six new crisis stabilization centers and further support existing ones.
• $8.3 million to expand the Behavioral Healthcare Home Program.
• $5.3 million for 50 additional Community Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Liaisons.
• $3.6 million and 53 staff members to address waitlists in Missouri's Public Defender system.
• $1 million in grants for violent crime prevention, community engagement, and law enforcement mental health support.
• $21.5 million to recruit and retain quality Department of Corrections employees.
• $6 million for county jail reimbursements.
• $2.5 million to further support recidivism reduction programs. 
• $2.6 million and 11 State Highway Patrol Troopers to assist in violent crime investigations across the state.
• $1.1 million for the Operation Legend Grant Program.
• $1 million for the state's witness protection fund.
• $575,000 to provide grant funding for law enforcement officer safety equipment.

"We applaud the work of the General Assembly for not only a balanced budget but for renewing the Federal Reimbursement Allowances program," Governor Parson said. "With billions of dollars in jeopardy and millions of livelihoods at stake, the majority of legislators put narrow political interests aside and passed an FRA renewal bill that protects Missouri’s most vulnerable populations and builds on our pro-life principles. Without their efforts, we would be announcing unprecedented budget restrictions rather than these historic investments. To all those who helped get FRA across the finish line: we appreciate your work."

To view the FY 2022 state operating budget bills, click here. 

JULY 1, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that Alex Tuttle will assume the role of Legislative Budget Director for the Office of the Governor effective today, July 1, 2021. 

Mr. Tuttle has worked for the State of Missouri for more than a decade. Most recently, he served as the Legislative Liaison for the Department of Health and Senior Services, where he worked with legislators and Governor Parson's administration on a variety of issues, including the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Prior to joining the Department of Health and Senior Services, Mr. Tuttle served as a Budget Analyst for the Missouri State Senate for 10 years. Throughout his time with the Missouri Senate, he worked on various budget related projects and numerous state agency budgets. 

"We are excited to be welcoming Alex to the team today," Governor Parson said. "He has years of valuable legislative and budget experience, and we look forward to putting that experience to work in further service to the people of Missouri."

"I want to thank the Governor and his team for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Missouri in this new role," Tuttle said.

JUNE 30, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson granted 18 pardons pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official pardon 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.  

JUNE 30, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, during a ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed SB 153 & 97 into law, allowing Missouri and local jurisdictions to collect an online use tax that will help protect Missouri's brick and mortar businesses. 

"Passing Wayfair legislation has been a top priority of my administration, and we are happy to be signing this critical legislation into law today," Governor Parson said. "This law will help even the playing field between Missouri small businesses and large out-of-state retailers. With more than 570,000 small businesses in the state of Missouri, it is time that we establish a 21st century tax code that benefits our Main Street businesses rather than companies that don't invest in our communities or employ our citizens."

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. allowed states to adopt rules to collect sales and use taxes from business not physically located in their state but who sell and deliver products into the state. 

SB 153 & 97 will allow Missouri and local jurisdictions to collect a use tax from online retailers who sell and deliver more than $100,000 in tangible goods to consumers in the state annually.

Collection and remittance obligations will begin on January 1, 2023. Sales and uses taxes cannot be retroactive and will be collected by the Missouri Department of Revenue. Following 49 other states and Washington D.C., Missouri will be the final state to implement an economic nexus law since the Supreme Court's decision in 2018.

Currently, Missouri businesses lose sales because out-of-state, online retailers are not subject to the same state sales tax laws that local businesses are. The current system also burdens Missouri businesses because they are required to remit sales and use taxes to other states, but out-of-state businesses selling to Missourians do not. 

"This legislation is many years in the making and long overdue in the state of Missouri," Governor Parson said. "This is a big win for our state and our small businesses, and we appreciate Senator Koenig and Representative Eggleston for prioritizing this legislation and working tirelessly to find agreement and get it passed."

For more information on SB 153 & 97, click here. 

JUNE 29, 2021

Jefferson City — This afternoon, Governor Mike Parson signed four additional bills into law. 

SB 36 - Capitol Complex Tax Credit: 

Creates a $10 million tax credit to be used for rehabilitation or renovation of buildings in the Capitol Complex. 

SB 57 - Funding for Criminal Behavior Deterrence: 

Creates the Economic Distress Zone Fund which provides funding to nonprofits that focus on deterring crime in high crime areas of the state. It also creates the Critical Incident Stress Management Program to assist officers with stress and trauma.

HB 402 - Relating to Lottery Winners:

Prohibits the Lottery Commission from publishing a winner's name unless they have written permission from the winner. 

SB 71 - Civil Proceedings:

Allows parents, guardians, and juvenile officers to appeal child placement decisions, allows modifications to custody agreements to include grandparent's visitation rights, and modifies the definition of stalking to include newer technologies like social media. 

SB 71 also allows courts to grant protective orders to prevent someone from committing or threatening abuse against a pet and allows protection orders to be extended up to ten years under certain conditions.

Pictures will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.

JUNE 29, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed three bills into law. 

HB 697 - Relating to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program:

Reforms the PACE program by strengthening consumer and business protections. 

SB 106 - Financial Institutions:

Modernizes statutes related to the licensing and regulation of financial institutions in Missouri. Additionally, the bill allows the Division of Finance to approve certain mergers of financial institutions and aligns state law with the Universal Commercial Code requirements for electronic lending instruments. 

HB 345 - Relating to Civil Actions:

Allows arbitration awards for personal injury and wrongful death claims to be enforced against an insurer only when the insurer has agreed to the arbitration agreement in writing.

Pictures will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.

JUNE 25, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered that U.S. and Missouri flags at fire stations statewide, the Fire Fighters Memorial, and government buildings in the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on Monday, June 28, in honor of St. Louis firefighter Rodney L. Heard. 

Firefighter Heard passed away in the line of duty on June 15 following exposure to the COVID-19 virus while serving the citizens of St. Louis and the people of the state of Missouri. 

"Firefighter Heard served the people of St. Louis and our state with honor and dignity. He was taken far too soon, but the memory of his courage and devotion to protecting the well-being of others will not be forgotten," Governor Parson said. "Teresa and I will keep Rodney's friends and families in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn this loss." 

Firefighter Heard joined the St. Louis Fire Department on March 1, 1999. He was one of the many first responders from across Missouri who bravely risked their own health and safety by responding to emergency calls during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

To view the proclamation, click here. 

JUNE 24, 2021

Today, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson announced their participation in several statewide bicentennial events leading up to and following Missouri Statehood Day on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. 

“As we approach the 200th anniversary of our state this August, we are reminded of the dedication, passion, and love so many people have for Missouri. Missourians work hard every day to continue building on the strong foundation that has made our state a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Governor and First Lady Parson said. “From our rural areas to the big cities, Missouri offers so much to so many, and the story of our state is one to be remembered, shared, and celebrated.” 

Missouri Statehood Day marks an important milestone of 200 years since the Missouri Territory became the 24th state to enter the Union. In celebration of the state's bicentennial year, the Governor and First Lady will plan to visit historical sites and communities across Missouri as part of a Bicentennial Tour from July to August. Event details will be provided in Governor Parson’s weekly schedule as they are confirmed.

The Governor and First Lady will also take part in several of the Missouri Bicentennial Commission's sponsored festivities leading up to Statehood Day events on August 10, 2021, in Jefferson City. As part of Missouri's statewide bicentennial celebration, the Governor's Office will also be hosting a Bicentennial Inaugural Parade in Jefferson City on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 10 a.m. to showcase Missouri’s past, present, and future. The Bicentennial Inaugural Ball will be held that evening following the parade at the Missouri State Capitol.

The Bicentennial Inaugural Parade will celebrate the swearing-in of Missouri's elected officials from this year's Bicentennial Inauguration as well as highlight the history and significance of all 114 counties across the state of Missouri. 

"Our counties, communities, and citizens are what make Missouri the state we all know and love, and we are excited to celebrate our rich heritage together," Governor and First Lady Parson said.

The Governor's Office is looking for additional participants from across the state to showcase Missouri history. For more information on Governor Parson's Bicentennial Tour and to sign up to participate in the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade, please click here. 

Missourians are encouraged to visit Missouri2021.org to discover events taking place across the state throughout the year.

JUNE 22, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced a special session beginning Wednesday, June 23 at 12:00 p.m., to focus on extending the Federal Reimbursement Allowances (FRA) and related allowances, taxes, and assessments necessary for funding MO HealthNet before cost-savings measures are needed on July 1. 

"After laying out the grim reality of our state's financial future if FRA is not extended, I believe legislators have now agreed to a compromise that will end this stalemate, so today I am announcing a special session to begin tomorrow at noon," Governor Parson said. "We appreciate the continued efforts of House and Senate leadership to work with us towards a solution, and we are thankful that we are now in a position that warrants a call to special session."

"Let me be clear, now is a time that demands leadership among legislators and not an opportunity to play games with billions of dollars and millions of livelihoods in pursuit of narrow political interests," Governor Parson said. 

FRA is a program that spans multiple decades and was born from a public-private partnership between Missouri hospitals and state government to support the MO HealthNet program. The FRA provides funding to various health care providers across the state, including hospitals, pharmacies, mental health facilities, nursing facilities, emergency medical service providers, and others. 

The Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget includes estimated revenue from the FRA program and other allowances, taxes, and assessments to fund primary components of the MO HealthNet program. Failure to extend these programs would cost the state of Missouri an estimated $591 million in FY22 and $788 million in FY23. Payments from the MO HealthNet program would also be reduced by $1.52 billion in FY22 and $2 billion in FY23 if these programs are not extended. 

Allowing the FRA program and other allowances to expire would require the state to take immediate cost-savings measures, including rate decreases, elimination of non-mandatory programs, changes to fee schedules, and budget restrictions and vetoes. 

“The FRA program reduces the burden of MO HealthNet expenditures on the state budget and maximizes federal dollars coming to Missouri, and House and Senate leadership and Missourians know the detrimental consequences if FRA is not extended,” Governor Parson said. “It is unacceptable to jeopardize critical investments in priorities like education, workforce development, and infrastructure, and we must get this done quickly to protect Missourians and continue investing in Missouri's future generations.”

The special session will focus on extending certain allowances, taxes, and assessments that fund the MO HealthNet program. Specifically, Governor Parson’s special session call is to:

• Extend the expiration of the ground ambulance service reimbursement allowance
• Extend the expiration of the nursing facility reimbursement allowance 
• Extend the expiration of the Medicaid managed care organization reimbursement allowance
• Extend the expiration of the FRA program
• Extend the expiration of the pharmacy tax
• Extend the expiration of the intermediate care facility for the intellectually disabled assessment
• Prohibit abortifacient drugs and devices 
• Prohibit funding for abortion facilities under the Uninsured Women's Health Program
• Allow the Senate to consider appointments that require the advice and consent of the Senate

Click here to review the special session proclamation.