JULY 9, 2025

Jefferson City — This morning, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bills (HB) 121 and 737, and Senate Bill (SB) 43 into law, highlighting Missouri's commitment to protecting the state's most vulnerable citizens.

“Today's action on this legislation is about standing up for the most vulnerable Missourians; those who often times cannot advocate for themselves,” said Governor Kehoe. “Protecting these individuals is not just a priority, it's a responsibility we all share, and we appreciate the General Assembly for sending this legislation to my desk. We must provide safety, support, and dignity to those who need it most.”

HB 121, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, establishes the "Safe Place for Newborns Fund" for installing newborn safety incubators.  

• Extends Missouri's Safe Haven law and creates the "Safe Place for Newborns Fund," giving parents in crisis a secure and anonymous option to safely surrender their child.
• Establishes the Zero-Cost Adoption Fund to support families during the adoption process with non-recurring expenses and post-adoption assistance.
• Expands tax credit programs that support maternity homes and diaper banks.

HB 737, sponsored by Representative Melissa Schmidt and Senator Jamie Burger, modifies provisions relating to the protection of children.

• Guarantees federal benefits are securely allocated to individual beneficiaries currently in the foster care system to help establish their future financial stability.
• Strengthens legal options for families by establishing the “Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating Commission,” to ensure families have uniform, high-quality legal representation.
• Improves child and youth placement processes.

SB 43, sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Wendy Hausman, modifies provisions relating to protecting vulnerable persons.

• Increases the protections and rights of children and vulnerable persons in legal proceedings.
• Strengthens criminal provisions and penalties to help combat sexual abuse and trafficking in Missouri.
• Expands tax credits to encourage more donations to organizations that help support children and youth.

Governor Kehoe also signed Senator Ben Brown's and Representative Jim Murphy's SB 152, which bans foreign nationals from contributing donations to campaign committees for ballot measures, and Senator Rusty Black's and Representative Cameron Parker's SB 218, which modernizes court operations and enhances judicial efficiency, during an in-office signing ceremony.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information bill signings, view Governor Kehoe's schedule.

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JULY 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Building on his public safety priorities, Governor Mike Kehoe today announced the maximum benefit of the Missouri Blue Scholarship for law enforcement academy recruits has been increased from $5,000 to $6,000, made possible by a funding increase of $1 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget. The scholarship program has awarded a total of $4.49 million to 995 law enforcement recruit scholarship recipients since its introduction in October 2022 through June 2025.

“The Missouri Blue Scholarship Program has made law enforcement training more accessible to Missourians interested in joining the profession and helped bolster the number of licensed peace officers in Missouri,” Governor Kehoe said. “We appreciate the General Assembly approving our administration’s recommended $1 million increase in the scholarship fund. This increased investment allows the Missouri Department of Public Safety to raise the maximum scholarship award and make the scholarship available to more recruits who want to join the ranks of law enforcement and serve their communities.”

The State of Missouri FY26 budget, which took effect July 1, included increased funding for the scholarship from $2 million to $3 million. In FY25, $1,917,942 was awarded for 420 recruits.

While some Missouri law enforcement agencies, including the Highway Patrol, St. Louis Metropolitan Police and others, have their own basic training academies and pay recruits, many Missouri agencies do not have the funding to pay a salary or the cost of an academy. These graduating non-sponsored recruits are essential to staffing many sheriffs’ offices, smaller police departments, and even some larger departments. The Missouri Blue Scholarship expands the applicant pool and makes it easier for more young officers to stay in law enforcement without the burden of loans to repay once hired. Law enforcement academy tuition can be as high as $11,725.

“Given the price of attending some of Missouri’s law enforcement academies and the shortage of officers around the state, raising the maximum scholarship amount to $6,000 is another way we can support recruitment efforts and will further allow DPS to provide scholarships to qualifying academy recruits this fiscal year,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said.

Prior to the introduction of the Missouri Blue Scholarship in October 2022, an average of 1,025 peace officers were licensed annually in Missouri from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, the year the scholarship was first available before recruits started academy training, 1,050 peace officers were licensed; and in 2024, 1,099 peace officers were licensed.

The impact of the Missouri Blue Scholarship is also evident in the number of scholarship recipients staffing Missouri law enforcement agencies. As of June 30, 2025, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office had 81 commissioned officers and 11 were Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients; the Fulton Police Department had 25 commissioned officers and 10 were Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients; the Henry County Sheriff’s Office had 29 commissioned officers and nine were Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients; and the University City Police Department had 62 commissioned officers and nine were Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety administers the scholarship, and law enforcement academy recruits can apply at this link. The $6,000 maximum scholarship is possible because of the FY26 appropriation by the Missouri General Assembly. Future scholarship awards will be determined by appropriations going forward.

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JULY 7, 2025

JEFFERSON CITY, MO —This week, Governor Mike Kehoe will attend meetings and events across the state and hold several official bill signings for legislation passed by the General Assembly. Additional press releases will be sent out following the official signings.

On Wednesday, July 9, Governor Kehoe will be joined by bill sponsors at the Missouri State Capitol to sign 13 pieces of legislation into law: House Bills (HB) 121, 296, 419, and 737, Senate Bills (SB) 43, 49, 63, 68, 150, 152, 160, and 218, and Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 3.

On Thursday, July 10, Governor and First Lady Kehoe will travel to St. Louis to sign HB 199, which allows a special entertainment district to be established in downtown St. Louis, at Union Station. He will then sign HB 1041, which modifies current regulations relating to alcoholic beverages, at Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Governor Kehoe will later be joined by bill sponsors at the Missouri State Capitol to sign eight pieces of legislation into law: HB 516, 567, 594, and 754, and SB 2, 3, 98 and 221. That evening, Governor Kehoe will speak at the Missouri Agribusiness Association summer meeting in Lake Ozark.

On Friday, July 11, Governor Kehoe will start the day with a bill signing at St. Mary's Catholic High School in St. Louis to ceremonially sign HB 12 into law and celebrate the historic investments into Missouri's Educational Savings Account program. He will then sign SB 71, which provides college tuition assistance for public safety personnel and their dependents, at the St. Louis Fire Department Engine House No. 1. Governor Kehoe will then travel to North Kansas City to ceremonially sign HB 199, which enables the establishment of a Clay County Sports Complex Authority. He will end the day at the Kansas City Heavy Constructors Association's 75th Anniversary Banquet.

On Monday, July 14, Governor Kehoe will hold bill signings in Jefferson City for Senate Bills 79 and 82. He will also be joined by bill sponsors at the Missouri State Capitol to sign ten pieces of legislation into law: House Bills (HB) 145, 147, 225, 262, 595, and 596, Senate Bills (SB) 105, 133, 145, and 271.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Governor Kehoe to sign HB 199

When: 8:30 a.m.

Where: St. Louis Union Station Hotel - Grand Hall, 1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Media: Open (Event is open to media and invited guests only)

Governor Kehoe to sign HB 1041

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 1200 Lynch St., St. Louis, MO 63118

Media: Open (Event is open to media and invited guests only. Media please arrive by 9:45 a.m. and check in at the Anheuser-Busch Tour Center)

Governor Kehoe to speak at Missouri Agribusiness Association Summer Meeting

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Camden on the Lake - Harbor Ballroom, 2359 Bittersweet Rd., Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Media: Open

Friday, July 11, 2025

Governor Kehoe to ceremonially sign HB 12

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: St. Mary’s Catholic High School, 4701 S Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63111

Media: Open (Event is open to media and invited guests only)

Governor Kehoe to sign SB 71

When: 12:00 p.m.

Where: St. Louis Fire Department, 1421 N Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106

Media: Open (Event is open to media and invited guests only)

Governor Kehoe to ceremonially sign HB 199

When: 4:30 p.m.

Where: Chappell's Restaurant & Sports Museum, 323 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO 64116

Media: Open (Event is open to media and invited guests only)

Monday, July 14, 2025

Governor Kehoe to sign SB 79

When: 12:30 p.m.

Where: Missouri Farm Bureau, 701 S Country Club Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109

Media: Open (Event is open to media and invited guests only)

Governor Kehoe to sign SB 82

When: 1:45 p.m.

Where: Missouri Soybean Association, 734 S Country Club Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109

Media: Open (Event is open to media and invited guests only)

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JULY 7, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of St. Louis Fire Department Firefighter Lee M. Kraus, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in the City of St. Louis, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Wednesday, July 9, from sunrise to sunset.

“Lee Kraus committed his life to public service at age 22 and remained steadfast in that commitment for over three decades, no matter how dangerous the emergency or trying the circumstances,” Governor Kehoe said. “He began as an EMT and went on to serve 27 years as a firefighter—answering thousands of calls, from house fires to highway crashes. He will be remembered not only for his steadiness and professionalism with which he handled each call, but for the compassion he gave each person he served.”   

On July 1, Firefighter Kraus, 52, died in a hospital after suffering a medical emergency while on duty on June 29.

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

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JULY 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed five pieces of legislation into law: Senate Bills (SB) 28 and 396, and House Bills (HB) 105, 169, and 974.

"Today, we were proud to sign five bills that will benefit businesses and local governments across our state," said Governor Kehoe. "Thank you to the men and women of the General Assembly for sending many pieces of quality legislation to my desk this session. We look forward to signing even more legislation that improves the lives of Missourians next week."

SB 28, sponsored by Senator Jason Bean and Representative Donnie Brown, modifies provisions relating to transportation.

• Adds retired law enforcement and judicial members to the confidential motor vehicle and drivers licensing records statute.
• Requires motor vehicle sales taxes to be paid before a temporary tag can be issued. This now includes transactions between individuals and through out-of-state dealers.
  • The effective date of this is delayed until the Missouri Department of Revenue's (DOR) Motor Vehicle and Driver License System is completed.
• Modifies specialty license plate provisions, including creating a new United States Space Force military specialty license plate.
• Places vehicle, boat, and powersports dealers on a level playing field in regards to the fees they are required to remit to DOR.

SB 396, sponsored by Senator Ben Brown and Representative Brad Banderman, authorizes the board of trustees of a consolidated public library district to change the dates of the fiscal year.

• Allows the board of trustees of a consolidated library district to select a different fiscal year structure than the state fiscal year calendar.

HB 105, sponsored Representative Jeff Vernetti and Senator Mike Bernskoetter, authorizes the conveyance of certain state property.

• Outlines the deed property language for the conveyance of the Lee C. Fine Memorial Airport from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to the city of Osage Beach, giving Osage Beach more freedom and flexibility to make improvements without grant funding.
• Conveys two tracts of land from the site of the former Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A Headquarters located in Lee’s Summit. The land will be conveyed from the State of Missouri to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the purpose of a new intersection, allowing the outer roads and city streets to be received by Lee’s Summit once the new bridge and intersection is completed.
• Outlines the deed property language for conveying a tract of land in Webster County from the State of Missouri to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, allowing for improvements to increase road safety by reducing conflict points, decreasing congestion, and replacing aging infrastructure.

HB 169, sponsored by Representative Donnie Brown and Senator Jason Bean, modifies provisions relating to cotton trailers.

• Redefines “cotton trailers,” increasing the allowed maximum speed to 70 MPH from 40 MPH.
• Updates specific hauling requirements for cotton trailers to align with modern technological advancements.

HB 974, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and Senator Sandy Crawford, establishes provisions relating to insurance for certain uses of motor vehicles.

• Implements the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model language related to cyber security standards on insurance companies, aimed at protecting consumer data.
• Implements the National Council of Insurance Legislators model language related to peer-to-peer driving rental services.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.

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JULY 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe shared the following updates on the State of Missouri’s support for communities recovering from the severe weather and flooding that has affected much of the state in 2025.  

"Our state team members have done an outstanding job this year, working shoulder to shoulder with local counterparts to aid Missouri families and businesses recovering from an unprecedented string of damaging storms,” Governor Kehoe said. “These efforts—along with the work of our faith-based and volunteer disaster response partners, and the federal disaster support approved by President Trump—are making a tremendous difference as we move forward together as a state.”

On Monday, Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-27 extending a State of Emergency in Missouri through August 31, 2025. The extension will help further assist with disaster recovery efforts, as additional flooding and severe storms occurred in Southwest Missouri over this past weekend. Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22, Executive Order 25-23, and now Executive Order 25-27.

Some recent highlights on the state's response include:

• More than $22 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) assistance has been provided to over 4,600 families in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis, and Scott counties. This funding follows President Trump’s June 9 approval of a federal Major Disaster Declaration for the May 16 tornado and severe storms that devastated parts of Missouri.
• During the activation of the Missouri National Guard to the City of St. Louis, guard members supported debris management collection at four drop-off sites and hauled hundreds of dump truck loads to the landfill. This support enabled the city and its residents to remove the equivalent of well over 200 football fields piled one foot high with debris.
• On June 14, Governor Kehoe signed Senate Bill 1 into law after the special session, allocating $100 million to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for disaster relief to help the City of St. Louis recover from the May 16 tornado that damaged or destroyed thousands of homes.
• More than $3.8 million in FEMA/SEMA assistance has been provided to over 750 households impacted by the March 14-15 storms and wildfires in Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Wayne, Webster, and Wright counties. President Trump approved Governor Kehoe’s federal Major Disaster Request for this disaster on May 21.
• Currently eight Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open for residents impacted by the May 16 or March 14-15 severe storms to help with disaster assistance applications, answer questions, and upload required documents. Search Missouri locations at fema.gov/DRC. The fastest way to apply is at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If residents were impacted March 14-15, the deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is July 22. For those impacted on May 16, the deadline is August 11.

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JULY 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that 201 Missouri counties, cities, and towns have received the Missouri Blue Shield designation in recognition of their dedication to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement, and building sustainable public safety partnerships. The Blue Shield Program, as outlined in Executive Order 25-03, is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouri initiative announced on his first day in office.

Following the Governor's approval of Fiscal Year 2026 budget funding yesterday, the Blue Shield communities are now able to tap into a $10 million dollar fund for grants for law enforcement training, equipment, and technology.

“I’ve said from day one that improving public safety is the top priority of our administration and the response of communities, large and small, across our state shows that Missourians want to have safer streets and support law enforcement,” Governor Kehoe said. “Now, all 201 of the Blue Shield communities will be able to apply for funding through the Missouri Department of Public Safety to further bolster public safety through grants for training, equipment, and technology.”

A total of 60 counties, 137 cities and four towns were approved as Blue Shield communities after applying by June 1 to the Department of Public Safety. A map of Blue Shield communities and the full list of approved jurisdictions is available here.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) is administering the Blue Shield Program and opened grant applications today, the beginning of State Fiscal Year 2026. Communities may spend grant funds for any combination of training, equipment, or technology for their law enforcement agencies to strengthen public safety. Eligible expenditures include ballistic vests, body-worn cameras, security and surveillance systems, gunshot detection technology, and crime analytics software. The $10 million will be split equally among approved Blue Shield applicants.

“We knew going into this that there was overwhelming support for law enforcement among Missourians and high interest in building stronger alliances between law enforcement and the communities they serve, but the response to the Blue Shield Program has been even stronger than we anticipated,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “We are looking forward to receiving funding proposals from the 201 communities and our DPS team will be processing grant applications quickly.”

Blue Shield counties, cities, and towns must maintain their commitments each year to retain the Blue Shield designation via annual reporting about their ongoing efforts to support public safety to DPS. There will be another opportunity for other communities to apply for the Blue Shield designation and take advantage of future grants in 2026.

Among the Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria were:

• Passage of a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including to reduce violent crime within the jurisdiction;
• Extraordinary investments in public safety funding;
• Community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety;
• Law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime;
• Participates in regional anti-crime task forces, or a commitment to be a willing partner with these in the future; and
• Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.
   
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JUNE 30, 2025

Jefferson City — Delivering on his promise to present Missourians with a reasonable, conservative budget that continues to secure Missouri’s future, today Governor Mike Kehoe signed the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) state operating and capital improvement budget bills. Governor Kehoe’s action to deliver a $50.8 billion budget includes 208 vetoes, totaling nearly $300 million in general revenue, and 32 expenditure restrictions, totaling $211 million in general revenue.

The budget sent to the Governor's Office added 450 items and nearly $775 million in additional spending beyond the Governor’s original budget recommendation. This excessive spending requires decisive action, particularly when combined with reduced pandemic federal dollars, broad tax cuts that benefit Missourians, and the undeniable need for extraordinary emergency disaster relief.

"We appreciate the work of the General Assembly in getting this budget to my desk," said Governor Kehoe. "While we exercised veto authority to rein in unsustainable spending, we are proud to support funding for smart policies advancing our shared vision of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Missouri. We believe this budget reflects our commitment to limited government, fiscal discipline, and a long-term vision to support public priorities."

Approved Budgetary Spending

Prioritizing Public Safety

In his inaugural State of the State Address, Governor Kehoe emphasized that securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety. The FY26 budget includes critical law enforcement and crime prevention tools, training, and resources:

• $10 million in new funding to assist local communities who prioritize public safety with equipment and training needs through the Blue Shield Program.
• $7 million investment for fentanyl testing in wastewater systems at schools.
• $2 million in support for the Missouri sheriff’s retirement system.

For more public safety budget highlights, click here.

Emphasizing Economic Development

Missouri’s economy is driven by investing in initiatives that create jobs, enhance infrastructure, and provide critical support to families and businesses. By addressing needs such as rural roads, childcare access, and career-technical training, we foster innovation, strengthen communities, and ensure that Missouri remains a competitive and thriving state for all:

• $91 million for rural road improvements.
• $10 million to offer grant funding opportunities to support partnerships between employers, community partners, and the childcare industry to make more childcare slots available for Missouri families.
• $11 million in new funding to address equipment, space, and operational needs of career and technical centers across the state.

For more economic development budget highlights, click here.        

Bolstering Agriculture

Missouri’s agriculture industry is the backbone of the state's economy, feeding and clothing not just Missourians, but the world. To ensure the continued growth and resilience of this vital sector, Governor Kehoe is committed to investing in critical infrastructure, modernizing facilities, and supporting animal health initiatives. The FY26 budget includes:

• $55 million in bonding for Missouri State Fair facilities.
• $800,000 in ongoing funding for Missouri FFA.
• $330,871 to increase Missouri’s inspection and production capacity in the meat and poultry industry.

For more agriculture budget highlights, click here.

Strengthening Education

Governor Kehoe believes that funding our state’s education system ensures every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential while preparing Missouri’s future workforce for success. The legislature approved the following education spending:

• $376.6 million to support the state’s full reimbursement of transportation costs to school districts, including $15 million in new funding.
• $50 million in general revenue funding to bolster the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.
• $33.4 million to ensure all teachers are paid at least the statutory minimum.

For more education budget highlights, click here.

Budget Vetoes & Expenditure Restrictions

The Missouri FY26 state operating budget is approximately $50.8 billion, including $15.4 billion in general revenue. In the FY26 budget approved by the General Assembly, nearly $775 million in new general revenue spending was added above the Governor's budget recommendation, including 450 items that Governor Kehoe did not propose or went beyond his recommendation.

Additionally, the Office of Administration’s Division of Budget and Planning estimates a nearly $1 billon shortfall in general revenue starting in FY27. Contributing to this shortfall, ongoing general revenue spending authorized in the FY26 budget is projected to outpace ongoing revenues by over $1 billion and grow larger in future years. While Missouri currently has a general revenue fund balance to absorb some of this imbalance in the short term, the current trajectory of state-level spending grows this imbalance, exhausts any remaining surplus, and leads to the aforementioned $1 billion shortfall starting in FY27, if correction is not made.

There were also several budgetary and legislative decisions made during the 2025 Legislative Session and Extraordinary Session that were not considered in Governor Kehoe’s FY26 budget recommendation but compound the budgetary challenges the State is facing:

• Additional funding for the K-12 Foundation Formula – In his budget recommendation, Governor Kehoe proposed a $200 million increase for public education funding, representing the largest increase ever seen, and nearly 4 times larger than the average annual increase. The General Assembly chose to spend an additional $297 million on top of Governor Kehoe’s historic recommendation.
• Tax Cuts – The General Assembly approved, and Governor Kehoe has committed to signing, pro-growth legislation eliminating the income tax on capital gains, which is expected to reduce state revenues by approximately $400 million annually. Governor Kehoe supports tax cuts and is proud to return Missourians’ hard-earned dollars back to them, but the reduction in state revenues must be accounted for in current and future budget decisions.
• Disaster Relief – Unforeseen severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding have caused unprecedented damage to communities across the state. Governor Kehoe supported, and the General Assembly approved, over $210 million in extraordinary emergency disaster relief for Missourians. While the need is undeniable, the cost must still be reconciled in the budgetary process.

Governor Kehoe issued 208 vetoes, totaling nearly $300 million in general revenue. To view the complete list of budget vetoes, click here.

"As Governor, I have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget, and our administration will always follow the Constitution and rule of law," said Governor Kehoe. "We support funding for education, and have proudly championed tax cuts for hard-working Missouri families and the desperately needed resources for our fellow Missourians affected by natural disasters this spring. However, these initiatives do not come without budgetary consequences."

In addition to his vetoes in the FY26 budget, Governor Kehoe today also restricted spending on 32 budget items, totaling $211 million in general revenue, from the FY26 state operating budget. To view the complete list of expenditure restrictions, click here.

"We do not take this action lightly, but state government cannot spend beyond our means," said Governor Kehoe. "With current circumstances, the fiscally responsible and conservative thing to do is reduce spending and protect Missouri’s nationally recognized financial strength in preparation for difficult budget years ahead. These restrictions are not an indication of project worthiness – we understand their value, and that’s why we chose not to veto them. Rather, these withholds allow us to direct Missourians’ hard-earned tax dollars toward the most critical programs and projects that support Missouri families."

Governor Kehoe is taking these fiscally conservative steps now in an effort to help ease the burden of broader budget cuts required to balance the budget, a constitutional responsibility of the Missouri Governor, in FY27 and future years. Governor Kehoe and his Office of Administration's Division of Budget and Planning budget team, working alongside the General Assembly, will continue to assess Missouri’s financial outlook and evaluate the likely need for additional budget restrictions moving forward.

"We want to assure Missourians that this action is not indicative of a larger economic problem, as our economy remains strong and resilient," said Governor Kehoe. "Just as the Trump administration is reining in federal spending, the State of Missouri must do the same. While we do not have an economic problem in Missouri, we do have a spending problem in state government. By working with the General Assembly, our administration commits to the people of Missouri to get spending under control and support Missouri’s economic growth so that our fiscal outlook improves and these restrictions may be released in future years."

To view the FY26 state operating budget bills, click here.

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JUNE 27, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 18th Judicial Circuit.

Sean Pilliard, of Sedalia, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Pettis County in the 18th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Pilliard is a seasoned attorney specializing in a wide range of legal areas including bankruptcy, criminal defense, and family law, based in the Law Offices of Sean P. Pilliard. Pilliard is a member of the Pettis County Bar Association, Sedalia and Pettis County Economic Development, and the Sedalia Park Band board. He also serves as a volunteer for several area youth activities. Pilliard earned his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Missouri. He will fill the vacancy left by Judge R. Paul Beard II.

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JUNE 27, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced twelve appointments to various boards and commissions.

Casey Burton, Ph.D., of St. James, was appointed to the State Board of Health and Senior Services.

Mr. Burton is the executive director of research and governmental affairs at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri. He also serves as an adjunct assistant professor of chemistry at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) where he develops and leads sponsored research involving noninvasive disease detection and characterization. Burton also serves on the boards of the Ozark Biomedical Initiative, Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Inc., Phelps County Community Resource Center, and more. Burton earned his doctorate in analytical chemistry and bachelor's in chemistry from Missouri S&T.

James Carter Jr., of St. Charles, was appointed to the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Mr. Carter currently serves as an Advanced American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter and is certified and licensed by the Board of Evaluation of Interpreters in both Illinois and Missouri. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Carter is a member of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASL), World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), and Deaf in Government (DIG). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Lincoln Christian University.

Earl Crawford, of Excelsior Springs, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Mr. Crawford currently serves as executive director at Missouri Inclusive Housing Development Corporation. He has previous experience as a special education teacher, superintendent of a rehabilitation center, and an education consultant, among other positions. In addition to his professional experience, Crawford has served on the Marshall Parks and Recreation Board, Marshall School Board, Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Valley College Board of Trustees, and Midland Empire Resources of Independent Living (MERIL), as well as vice president of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Master of Special Education from the University of Central Missouri.

Betty Davidson, Ph.D., of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Governor's Council on Disability.

Ms. Davidson is a retired educational professional and expert in disability studies and inclusive practices. She previously served as the director of visually or orthopedically impaired students at the Special School District of St. Louis County. She also  serves as the chair of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), the president of Inclusivity Media, the vice president of the St. Clare Hospital Auxiliary for SSM Health, and more. Dr. Davidson earned a doctorate in higher education from Saint Louis University, a master's in special education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and her bachelor's degree from Harris-Stowe State College. 

Aaron Durso, of Taneyville, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Mr. Durso currently serves as Bull Creek Village Clerk. He has previous experience as burough manager and the municipal authority manager in Birdsboro, Pennsylvania, and Senior Pastor at LOVE Christian Fellowship. A disabled veteran of the United States Air Force, Durso was honorably discharged in 1993. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Newburg Theological Seminary, Master of Ministry at Chesapeake Theological Seminary, and Bachelor of Religious Education at the University of Valley Forge.

Ronald Hack, of Sunset Hills, was reappointed to the Governor's Council on Disability.

Mr. Hack is a retired lawyer, formerly serving as a partner at Evans & Dixon, LLC and Gallop Johnson & Neuman, L.C. He has been an active community volunteer for more than 30 years, currently serving on the boards of the Sunset Hills Conservation Foundation and the Southwest Area Chamber of Commerce. Hack earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College.

Katie Jones, of St. Peters, was reappointed to the Governor's Council on Disability.

Ms. Jones is the chief program officer for Boone Center Inc. (BCI). She previously worked as supervisor for Cardinal Ritter Senior Services and a case manager for the Child Abuse and Neglect Unit for the Division of Family Services. In addition to her professional career, Jones is also a member of the Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services, Missouri Association of Sheltered Workshop Managers, and the Legislative Committee of St. Charles Coalition. Jones earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Sociology from Lindenwood University.

Jennifer Meyer, of O’Fallon, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Ms. Meyer currently serves as principal at J. Meyer Strategies. She has previous experience as director of field operations for Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer and district field director for Senator Roy Blunt. In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Meyer serves as an executive board member for both the Freedom 13 and the North County Police Business Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Susan Orton, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Governor’s Council on Disability.

Ms. Orton currently serves as a realtor and sales associate with Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is a member of the St. Louis Realtors Association, Member Inclusion Advisory Committee, and Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Orton is a graduate of Towson High School.

Paul Ogier, of Chesterfield, was appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri.

Mr. Ogier is a retired certified public accountant (CPA), providing limited consulting services to not-for-profits in the senior housing industry. He also serves as the chief financial officer for the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in a part-time capacity. Ogier is an active member of his community, previously serving on the board of the Leading Age Missouri, Missouri Health Care Association, and the Treasurer of the Nursing Facilities Agent Corporation. Ogier earned his bachelor's degree from the Missouri State University.

Jill Wedemeier, of Leopold, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Wedemeier is a judicial assistant and law clerk for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. She previously served as the Cape Girardeau assistant prosecuting attorney. She is an active member of the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence board, and the Leopold R-III School District Foundation. Wedemeier earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Southeast Missouri State University.

Claire West, of Jefferson City, was reappointed to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) Board of Trustees.

Prior to her retirement, Ms. West owned and operated Claire West Consulting LLC, a retirement consulting firm. She has previous experience as executive director of the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement. Additionally, West served on the board of the Missouri Association of Public Employee Retirement Plans from 2000 to 2007. She holds an associate’s degree in business from Columbia College.

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