MAY 31, 2024

Jefferson City — For the months of April and May 2024, Governor Mike Parson granted eight pardons and approved two commutations 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 have been sent to the individuals.

In addition to granting eight pardons, Governor Parson denied 26 clemency applications. The Governor's Office now holds fewer than 100 pending clemency applications. When Governor Parson was sworn into office, he inherited a clemency backlog of more than 3,500 and has received hundreds more since. Governor Parson has prioritized providing individuals an answer, whether approved or denied.

April and May 2024 Pardons and Commutations.pdf

MAY 30, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Acting Governor Mike Kehoe announced the state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) in Barry, Butler, Carter, Howell, New Madrid, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Texas counties following severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that occurred May 19 - 27. This request begins the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance for the 10 counties.  

“As I observed during my visit to the area earlier this week, the severe storms that hit southern Missouri have caused major damage and disrupted the lives of families and businesses across the region,” Acting Governor Kehoe said. “I am grateful for the work of emergency responders, local elected officials, legislators, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and many volunteer organizations who have assisted in recovery efforts. It is important to take these actions today so we can continue to work alongside local and federal partners, offering support and assistance to communities in need.”

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials. Beginning Monday, June 3, four teams will verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.  

Acting Governor Kehoe also issued Executive Order 24-07, extending Missouri's current State of Emergency declaration in response to severe weather that has impacted communities across the state in recent weeks. Governor Mike Parson first declared a State of Emergency on May 2, 2024, through Executive Order 24-06.

On Tuesday, May 28, Acting Governor Kehoe was joined by SEMA Director Jim Remillard, Mayor Greg Turnbow, and other elected state and local officials to view damage in Sikeston, receive an update on power restoration, and visit displaced residents at a local American Red Cross shelter. 

Since late April, Missouri has been repeatedly impacted by severe weather with the most recent storm system occurring over Memorial Day Weekend. On May 26, multiple rounds of severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes swept across the state, particularly southeast Missouri, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Flash flooding continues to be a concern with additional rainfall forecasted in the coming days.

Extending the State of Emergency ensures the state can directly assist local jurisdictions, allowing increased flexibility and capacity to support response and recovery efforts. A State of Emergency is also the first step required by FEMA to seek a major disaster declaration.

SEMA continues to coordinate with volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist residents over the coming days and weeks. The American Red Cross has opened a 24-hour shelter at the Sikeston YMCA, located at 511 Taylor Street, for individual and families that have been displaced or otherwise impacted.

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank has arranged mobile food distribution sites for local residents in addition to its food pantries hosted weekly throughout the region. Dates, times, and locations can be found at semofoodbank.org/mobile-food-pantries/ and on the SEMO Food Bank Facebook page.

Convoy of Hope is supporting a point of distribution for shelf-stable food, water and other supplies at Sikeston First Assembly of God, 306 S. Kingshighway, Sikeston, MO 63801. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hot meal service is also available at this location from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

Executive Order 24-07 will expire on June 30, 2024, unless otherwise terminated or extended.

MAY 28, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that Amendment 1 (SJR 26) and Amendment 4 (SJR 38) will be placed on the 2024 August Primary Election ballot. This year's primary election will take place on August 6, 2024.

Both Amendment 1 and Amendment 4 are proposed changes to Missouri's Constitution. A brief summary of each ballot measure is below:

• Amendment 1 – if approved by the voters, allows the General Assembly to exempt from property tax all real and personal property used primarily for the care of a child outside of his or her home.
• Amendment 4 – if approved by the voters, provides an exception to allow for a law that increases minimum funding, if increased before December 31, 2026, for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners to ensure they have additional resources to serve their communities.

All other ballot measures are expected on the November General Election ballot, if certified by the Missouri Secretary of State's Office.

To view the proclamation designating Amendment 1 and Amendment 4 for the August Primary Election, see attached.

• Aug 2024 Ballot Measures.pdf

MAY 17, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe will serve as Missouri's Acting Governor while he leads a trade mission delegation to Italy. Lieutenant Governor Kehoe will serve in the Acting Governor capacity from May 18 - June 4, 2024.

"Each time we've been overseas, Lt. Governor Kehoe has always dutifully answered the call to ensure state government continues operating efficiently and effectively," Governor Parson said. "We know Lt. Governor Kehoe offers a steady hand of leadership that Missourians can count on."

Consistent with Governor Parson’s infrastructure and economic development priorities, the goal of the Italy Trade Mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade. Governor Parson will meet with various government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion.

While the trade mission itself runs May 18 - 25, 2024, Governor Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will be taking some personal time for their own private travels once the trade mission concludes.  

MAY 10, 2024

Jefferson City — From May 18 - 25, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to Italy for an international Trade Mission. Italy is a top source of foreign direct investment and a key trade partner for Missouri, with more than $169 million in exports in 2023.

Consistent with Governor Parson’s infrastructure and economic development priorities, the goal of the Trade Mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade. Governor Parson will meet with various government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion.

“Given the importance of international trade to our economy, we're excited to again promote Missouri as an ideal business location,” Governor Parson said. “Italy is home to several leading companies that have already invested in our state while growing and creating jobs for Missourians. We look forward to thanking Italian business leaders for their partnerships while demonstrating to others that our state has what it takes to support their success.”

The Trade Mission will include stops in Milan and Rome to meet with companies with an existing presence in Missouri and companies without a presence in the state to encourage future investment. In Milan, Governor Parson will meet with the U.S. Consul General and the U.S. Commercial Services team. Governor Parson will also meet with the U.S. Ambassador in Rome.

The $169 million in goods exported to Italy in 2023 show the importance of international trade to the state’s economic success. Among the goods exported, leather, machinery, and chemicals were among those in highest demand.

This will be Governor Parson's eighth Trade Mission since becoming Governor.

Italy Highlights

Governor Parson will take part in meetings with executives of several leading companies, including PIVA Group, Leonardo DRS, TAB, Buzzi Unicem, Principe Foods, Serioplast, and Reply - all of which have existing relationships with Missouri.

Governor Parson will also participate in discussions with key Italian business organizations, including the Council of Regions in Rome.

The Trade Mission is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization. For updates on the trip, follow @GovMikeParson on Facebook and @GovParsonMO on Twitter.

MAY 9, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, during a signing ceremony at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill 1803 into law. HB 1803 increases the total amount of state funds the State Treasurer may invest into the MOBUCK$ program from $800 million to $1.2 billion annually. Governor Parson was joined by State Treasurer Vivek Malek, representatives from Missouri's agriculture advocacy groups, and members of the Missouri Bankers Association as he signed the bill into law.

"I have to give credit to Treasurer Malek for his leadership in increasing the awareness and effectiveness of the MOBUCK$ program," Governor Parson said. "Under his administration, all available MOBUCK$ funds were exhausted within just one business day of applications opening. Now, by increasing the cap, Treasurer Malek's office and the State of Missouri will be able to assist more beginning farmers, existing farmers, and small business owners with low interest loans. Thank you, Treasurer Malek, for being a champion for Missouri agriculture and small businesses across the state."

“In the face of an ongoing drought and record-high interest rates, MOBUCK$ has served as a relief valve against soaring inflation for Missouri’s farmers and small businesses," Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek said. "With this expansion of MOBUCK$, passed by the Legislature and enacted by Governor Parson, I am looking forward to supporting more Missourians as they strengthen their businesses and local economies. This is a fantastic investment by the State of Missouri to boost our economy. It’s truly investing Missouri’s money, in Missouri, to help Missourians.”

In addition to raising the MOBUCK$ investment total, HB 1803 removes previous funding caps on the portion of total funds that could be invested in farming operations, small businesses, livestock operations, beginning farmer operations, etc.

For more information on HB 1803, click here. For more information on the Missouri Treasurer's MOBUCK$ program, click here. 

MAY 9, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, during a signing ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson signed HB 2634 into law. While public funds are already prohibited from funding abortions in Missouri, HB 2634 will now prevent any taxpayer money from going to any abortion providers or their affiliates in the state.

"Our administration has been the strongest pro-life administration in Missouri history," Governor Parson said. "We've ended all elective abortions in this state, approved new support for mothers, expecting mothers, and children, and, with this bill, ensured that we are not sending taxpayer dollars to abortion providers for any purpose. We thank members of the General Assembly for recognizing this important issue and sending this legislation to my desk."

HB 2634 will ensure that no abortion providers or their affiliates receive reimbursements through the MO HealthNet program.

To learn more about HB 2634, click here. 

MAY 8, 2024

Eagle Pass, TX — Today, Governor Mike Parson visited the Southern Border near Eagle Pass, Texas, to connect with Missouri National Guard (MONG) soldiers deployed to the Southern Border and sign House Bill (HB) 2016 into law. HB 2016 passed the Missouri General Assembly with bipartisan support and includes funding for Missouri's Southern Border deployment, aiding Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star mission, which is helping secure Texas, Missouri, and the nation.

"We are proud to be here in Texas today to meet with our soldiers and sign HB 2016, funding Missouri's partnership with Operation Lone Star to secure the border," Governor Parson said. "President Biden and the federal government have failed. They're allowing fentanyl and other drugs, criminals, and even suspected terrorists to flood across the border into our country. States must take a stand, and that's exactly what Missouri is doing. The more crime we can stop at the Southern Border, the less we have to deal with in Missouri. We appreciate the strong group of bipartisan lawmakers for approving this funding and understanding the need for Missouri to step in when the federal government has failed our citizens."

"We understand there are many good people looking to come to our nation to achieve their American Dream. We respect and welcome that, but there is a process to go through, and it must be done legally," Governor Parson continued.

HB 2016 totals $2.2 million, allocating $2 million to support MONG members deployed to the Southern Border and $206,000 for the Missouri State Highway Patrol's efforts to help secure the border. Governor Parson was joined at the bill signing by MONG Adjutant General Levon Cumpton, MONG soldiers stationed at the border, and Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Victor Escalon, who provided those in attendance an update on Operation Lone Star.

To view HB 2016, click here.

Missouri's Southern Border Operations to Date:

On February 20, 2024, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 24-03 activating up to 200 MONG members and 22 MSHP troopers to support Operation Lone Star on the Sothern Border.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Border Deployment:

On March 1, 2024, 11 MSHP troopers traveled to southern Texas to assist the Texas DPS in providing law enforcement services in the area of the U.S. border. The team briefed at the Texas DPS South Region Office (3) in Weslaco, Texas, on March 3 and reported to its first assigned shift on March 4. This team continued to serve in the border area until March 30, 2024.

On March 30, 2024, a second contingent of 11 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers traveled to southern Texas to assist Texas DPS in providing law enforcement services in the area of the U.S. border.  The team briefed at the Texas DPS South Region Office (3) in Weslaco, Texas, on April 1 and reported to its first assigned shifts on April 2.

From March 3 through April 15, MSHP troopers assisting Texas DPS troopers in the area of the U.S. border provided assistance with the following incidents/encounters:  

• Traffic Stops – 1,432     
• Undocumented Migrants – 519
• Undocumented Migrant Turn-Backs – 61
• Impaired Driver and Drug Arrests – 69
• Other Law Enforcement Assists – 105

Missouri National Guard:

Since March 15, approximately 50 soldiers from the 138th Infantry Regiment, 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade have been serving side by side with soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard.

MONG soldiers continue to maintain 24-hour security surveillance operations, with each soldier working shifts alongside Texas Guardsmen. This allows for soldier safety and operational efficiency. Routine calls for service include detecting undocumented migrants coming across the border, helping turn back undocumented migrants to Mexico, and assisting with surrenders. Soldiers routinely intercept undocumented migrants on foot and in vehicles and observe them until U.S. Customs & Border Protection officers respond to take custody and process.

MONG soldiers work daily with their Texas National Guard counterparts and Border Patrol to expand their presence and deter migrant activity within their sixty square miles area of operations on the Rio Grande River.

In addition to their surveillance operation duties, Missouri soldiers assisting Texas Army National Guard members in the area of the U.S. border have provided assistance with the following encounters:

• Undocumented Migrant Surrenders - 1,195
• Undocumented Migrant Detections & Turn Backs - 708

Photos from Missouri's Southern Border deployment can be found in the attached.

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• MONG 1.jpg
• MONG 3.jpg
• MONG 2.jpg
• MONG 4.jpg
• MONG 5.jpg
• MONG 6.jpg

MAY 8, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill (SB) 727 and House Bill (HB) 2287 into law. Together, the bills permanently increase baseline teacher pay to at least $40,000 per year, incentivize 5-day school weeks, increase support for early childhood education programs, and increase funding for small schools, among other provisions.

"I have and always will support Missouri teachers. Since the beginning of our administration, we've looked at ways to increase teacher pay and reward our educators for the hard work they do, and this legislation helps us continue that progress," Governor Parson said. "We ask a lot of our educators when it comes to teaching and caring for our children. Together, this legislation supports Missouri students, teachers, and families with more educational opportunities to succeed – including additional investments in pre-k – while ensuring our teachers earn a better wage."

SB 727 and HB 2287 contain provisions relating to the following subjects:

• Permanently raises starting teacher pay to at least $40,000 per year. 
  • Increases salaries for teachers with a master's degree and 10+ years experience to a minimum of $48,000 per year by 2027.
  • Increases all Missouri teachers' salaries by the January Consumer Price Index report, with a cap of 3 percent annually.
• Increases state funding for early childhood education programs.
• Increases the funding limit and expands access for Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.
• Incentivizes school districts in municipalities larger than 30,000 inhabitants to have 5-day school weeks.
• Establishes the Elementary Literacy Fund. 
• Increases the small school grant funding program from $15 million to $30 million per year.
• Protects retirement benefits for educators who continue teaching after retirement.
• Establishes the Teacher Recruitment and Retention State Scholarship Program.

For more information on SB 727, click here. For more information on HB 2287, click here. 

MAY 6, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill (HB) 1751 into law. HB 1751 will allow the City of Raymore and its residents to have a voice in where Kansas City is allowed to place a landfill near Raymore city limits.

"This commonsense measure will ensure homeowners have more of a say in what developments are allowed in their communities," Governor Parson said. "Not only is HB 1751 a win for Raymore residents, but it's a win for property rights across the State of Missouri. We appreciate Senator Cierpiot, and, especially, Representative Haffner for securing this legislation's passage and defending Missourians."

HB 1751 increases the municipal approval radius from one-half mile to one mile for landfills, solid waste processing facilities, demolition landfills, and sanitary landfills. This change means that the Department of Natural Resources will not issue a solid waste disposal operating permit to one municipality without the approval of an adjoining municipalities' governing body if the permit location is within one mile of the adjoining municipalities' border.

“I am appreciative of Governor Parson’s support by signing HB 1751 into law," Missouri State Representative Mike Haffner said. "This legislation is a victory for the people of Missouri, who have spoken loud and clear about the need to defend their property rights and preserve the well-being of their communities. I support economic development, but not at the expense of our families, small business owners, and their livelihoods. The signing of HB 1751 is a testament to our commitment to the fighting for the rights of all Missourians.”

“I am thrilled that Governor Parson signed HB 1751 today," Missouri Sate Senator Mike Cierpiot said. "North Cass County and Southwest Lees Summit are fortunate they have Representative Haffner representing them. He led the charge protecting their rights as Missourians and their property values so that they can return to their lives.”

For more information about HB 1751, click here.