APRIL 22, 2019

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson called for a special election to fill two vacancies in the House of Representatives due to the resignation of Representative Jean Evans, who was recently named Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party, and the appointment of Representative Scott Fitzpatrick as Missouri State Treasurer.

“It’s important that we work quickly to fill vacancies in the people’s house to ensure that Missourians have representation here in Jefferson City,” said Governor Mike Parson. “We appreciate the dedication and hard work of our local election authorities, especially when preparing for and conducting a special election. I am confident that Secretary Ashcroft will continue focusing our election process in a free and fair manner.”

The special election for the Missouri House of Representatives 158th District (Barry, Lawrence, Stone Counties) and the 99th (St. Louis County) will take place on November 5, 2019.

“I appreciate Senator Dan Hegeman and Representative Dan Shaul for their work last year passing election reform (SB 592),” said Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. “It is important for Missourians to have full representation in the General Assembly, and last year’s legislation has allowed us to move more efficiently to fill these open seats.”

To view Governor Parson’s official writ of elections, click 99th House District and 158th House District.

APRIL 18, 2019

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson today told groups of farmers and volunteer responders he expects to request a federal disaster declaration next week, based on preliminary damage assessments being conducted in 16 Missouri counties in response to historic flooding.

“Our preliminary damage assessment teams have more work to do tallying the damage, but it’s already clear that the flooding had devastating effects on homes, roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure,” said Governor Parson. “There’s no doubt federal recovery assistance is warranted to help Missouri families and businesses rebuild and keep their communities moving forward.”

Governor Parson said damage assessments have been conducted or will soon be conducted in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Holt, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Platte, Ray, Ste. Genevieve, and Scottcounties. He said continuing high water levels are preventing crews from assessing damage in Cape Girardeau and Pike counties, but assessments will take place there as soon as possible.

The Governor today met with leaders of faith-based and volunteer organizations that have responded to the Missouri River flooding that began March 11. He told a joint meeting of the Missouri Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Service Partnership (The Partnership) and Missouri Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster that their work is making a tremendous difference for people in need. The meeting took place at Crown Pointe Assembly of God Church in Lee’s Summit. 

“Missouri’s faith-based and volunteer recovery organizations are an inspiration to all of us because they give assistance and hope to people when they need it most,” said Governor Parson. “It started with sandbagging and opening shelters and serving hot meals for those who had lost their homes and progressed to clearing debris and muck from flooded homes and getting families on the road to recovery. The hard work volunteers do has become an essential part of our recovery framework in Missouri.” 

“We very much appreciate Governor Parson’s support and leadership as we continue to assist people affected by the recent flooding,” said Debi Meeds, United Way of the Ozarks President and The Partnership Chair. “Our coordinated response and collaborative approach to recovery ensures we provide crucial services quickly and efficiently to the people who need them most.” 

Organizations whose leaders met with the Governor today included the American Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, The Salvation Army, Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief, Seventh Day Adventist Disaster Response, Operation Bar-B-Que Relief, and the United Way.  

In Orrick, Governor Parson was joined by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II for a meeting with Ray County farmers, ranchers, agriculture leaders from Missouri Farm Bureau, and the Missouri Levee & Drainage District Association (MLDDA) for the second ‘Farmer’s Talk’ of the 2019 season. The discussion was preceded by a survey of farmland impacted by a levee breach. The breach occurred on part of the Missouri Valley Drainage and Levee District, which protects 12,000 acres of farmland. Across Missouri, one-third of all cropland is in a floodplain.

“I am pleased to be here in Orrick with Governor Parson and Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst to see how flood stage water decimates levees on the Missouri River,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. "If we are to mitigate the damage of future floods, it is important to understand what happened in this flood event, as well as the diligent work landowners do to keep the river from flooding their lands. Landowners are expressing concerns that flood control should be the primary focus of the Army Corps of Engineers. Farmers below the reservoirs are more vulnerable compared to the upper Missouri River Basin, and it is no coincidence that the largest flooding events have taken place in the lower Missouri River.” 

“Thank you to Governor Parson for hosting another roundtable with farmers and their stakeholders to visit about the 2019 flood,” said Blake Hurst, President of Missouri Farm Bureau. Although the threat of flooding is not over for this year, it is not too early to begin discussions about how to improve flood protection in the future. The Governor and his staff’s support of these ideas and his leadership in improving flood protection throughout the Missouri River basin is greatly appreciated. We look forward to continuing these conversations into the future.”

“It was great to have the opportunity to discuss the ongoing flood event with the Governor,” said Tom Waters, Chairman of the MLDDA. “We need to focus on recovery now to find ways that Missouri can help assist in rebuilding critical infrastructure like levees. All of us in agriculture are closely watching river levels as we move into May with an already compromised flood control system.”

Next Friday, April 26, the Governor will join Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for a follow up meeting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The three Governors met with the Corps in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on April 3. The meeting will continue ongoing discussions the Governors are having with the Corps and other federal officials to identify regional solutions for better future management of the Missouri River system.

APRIL 18, 2019

Jefferson City — Yesterday, Governor Parson received a letter of resignation from Dr. Steve Corsi, Director of Social Services (DSS), stating his last day with the department will be June 3, 2019, which will help to ensure enough time for a smooth transition of leadership within the department. 

“Dr. Corsi has served our country nobly as a veteran and has been a great asset to the State of Missouri during his time as a Department Director,” said Governor Parson. “He has had a distinguished career in public service, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in this exciting new opportunity with a faith-based non-profit.” 

During his time as DSS Director, Dr. Corsi has been dedicated to making numerous positive reforms within the Department. Under his leadership, DSS has accomplished the following:

• Moved more people to work and economic sustainability
• Helped foster children and youth achieve permanency faster through reunification with their families, adoption, or guardianship
• Initiated positive transformation of Missouri’s Medicaid Program
• Broken down vertical and horizontal communication barriers
• Made continuous improvement a designed and trained trait of DSS team members 

“I have full confidence that the Department of Social Services will continue providing excellent service to the people of Missouri,” said Governor Parson. “My administration will work over the coming weeks to identify new leadership that can continue to build on the positive reforms made within the department.”

APRIL 17, 2019

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson signed HB 14 to ensure that the state has the necessary funds to operate through Fiscal Year 2019.  The supplemental appropriations bill allows for the continued current operations of Missouri state government. The Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed Fiscal Year 2019 supplemental HB 14 totals $468 million, including $189 million General Revenue, $183 million Federal Funds, and $97 million Other Funds.

Major items included in the supplemental bill are the following:

• $311,342,306, including $116,289,123 General Revenue, to operate the MO HealthNet program.
• $14,933,472 federal funds for a State Opioid Response grant to provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services in response to the opioid crisis.
• $14,306,011, including $8,726,667 General Revenue, to pay state employee health benefits through the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan.
• $5,123,140 General Revenue for staffing costs at Missouri’s mental health facilities.
• $4,300,000, including $1,500,000 General Revenue, to provide services to Missourians in the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Program.
• $3,720,644, including $1,485,391 General Revenue, to provide adoption/guardianship payments for children in the care and custody of the Children’s Division.
• $3,161,975 Missouri Veterans Health and Care Fund and 14.75 FTE for start-up costs of the Medical Marijuana Program.
• $1,246,090 General Revenue for increased early childhood special education costs.

Additionally, yesterday Governor Parson signed House Bill 77, sponsored by State Representative Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe) and carried by State Senator Gary Romine (R-Farmington). The consent bill was passed in the House by a vote of 151-4 and in the Senate by a unanimous 32-0 vote. The legislation makes revisions to teacher and school employee retirement systems and will go into effect immediately. The bill can be found here: https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/sumpdf/HB0077T.pdf.

APRIL 17, 2019

Glenwood, IA — On behalf of Missouri citizens, Governor Mike Parson today submitted written testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. 

The committee field hearing in Glenwood, Iowa, will focus on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers river management following devastating flooding in the region. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley will participate. Witnesses will include officials from the Army Corps as well as leaders and stakeholders from Iowa among others.

“Our citizens rely on us to be their voice when their concerns need to be heard,” said Governor Mike Parson. “The State of Missouri has continually been frustrated about the need for greater focus on flood control. It should not be hard to realize why when nearly one-third of our state falls within flood plain, and our state economy’s number one industry is agriculture.”

In his testimony, Governor Parson requested Congress to work with Missouri to expedite the delivery of federal aid as the state recovers from recent and ongoing flooding impacts. He also urged federal agencies to refocus the conversation away from fish and wildlife issues to the more pressing matter of flood control. 

“The discussion we need to be having is how can the states of the Missouri River Basin work with Congress and the federal agencies to improve flood control and flood protection on a Missouri River system that has once again proven to be inadequate to protect our citizens,” wrote Governor  Parson in his testimony.

Two weeks ago, Governor Parson met with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts to identify regional solutions for recovery and flood repairs as well as a better path forward for future management of the Missouri River system.

Governor Parson requested the committee direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to return to managing the river in a manner that “clearly reflects the dominant congressionally authorized purposes of flood control and navigation.”

“If we are to ensure that the system is managed in a way that reflects the priorities of basin citizens, it is imperative that the states of the Missouri River basin have direct input and that our recommendations are given due consideration,” Governor Parson said.

To view Governor Parson's Missouri River Congressional testimony submission: click here.

APRIL 16, 2019

Springfield — Today, Governor Mike Parson visited the Advanced Manufacturing Job Fair at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield to announce the creation of 500 new training opportunities with the Certified Production Technician (CPT) certificate.

The goal of the CPT certification program is to raise the level of performance of production workers, in a high-demand field, both to assist the individuals in finding higher-wage jobs and to help employers ensure their workforce increases the company’s productivity and competitiveness. The CPT credential will be available statewide at all public two-year institutions that offer a standardized Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) credential, preparing workers to enter the industry and advance along a manufacturing career pathway. Participants who complete the CPT credential have the potential to earn an annual starting salary of $30,000.

In his State of the State address, the Governor announced his commitment to workforce development by updating training pipelines to ensure economic growth in Missouri and partnering with employers to develop that talent.

“One out of four jobs in Missouri directly supports our strong manufacturing industry," said Governor Parson. "It is important we remain focused on building and ensuring that our workforce is prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow. Today, we recognized employers who are committed to taking the steps to ensure that workers are adequately trained and have opportunities to succeed,” said Governor Parson. 

Advanced Manufacturing represents 8.6 percent of Missouri’s total private sector employment, employing 202,419 workers across 9,727 establishments in 29 industries. More than a quarter of all jobs in Missouri support the manufacturing industry, with an anticipated growth of nearly 10 percent by 2026.

APRIL 15, 2019

Jefferson City — Today, the Missouri Senate, in a 26-7 vote, passed one of Governor Parson’s top legislative priorities. In the State of the State, Governor Parson presented a bold infrastructure plan which takes a serious step forward in addressing Missouri’s critical infrastructure needs across the State. If fully implemented, the infrastructure plan will allow the State to fix 250 bridges in need of critical repair or replacement.

“We are thrilled to see the Senate take significant action today on our shared priority of infrastructure. Today’s strong bi-partisan vote is a result of focused efforts by the Legislature as we work together on an infrastructure plan to move Missouri forward,” Governor Parson said. “I am encouraged by the Legislature’s progress and look forward to continuing to work with members of the House to pass an infrastructure plan that works for all of Missouri.”

The plan will allow Missouri to begin meeting infrastructure needs across the entire state without raising taxes. Once passed, initial work can begin on bridges identified by local entities in need of critical repair or replacement.

The infrastructure plan awaits further action in the House.

APRIL 16, 2019

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson issued the following statement regarding the Missouri Supreme Court's decision to affirm the trial court's ruling that the Governor has the constitutional authority to appoint the Lieutenant Governor in the event of a vacancy:

"Missouri’s constitution is clear regarding the authority to make gubernatorial appointments. It’s important that Missouri have all of the statewide offices filled, which work to provide stability and to ensure that all Missourians are being served appropriately.

The Lieutenant Governor is an important office for this State, and I applaud the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision today which confirms the position, as well as the position of previous Governors from both parties, that the Governor has the authority to appoint a Lieutenant Governor in the event of a vacancy."

APRIL 15, 2019

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announces six appointments to various boards and commissions and a county office vacancy.

Neal Farrar, of Willard, was appointed to the Well Installation Board. 

Mr. Farrar is Principal Geologist and manager of drilling operations at Sunbelt Environmental Services, Inc. He has over 33 years of professional experience as a geologist and an environmental consultant. Mr. Farrar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology from Southeast Missouri State University and has studied hydrogeology and contaminant hydrogeology at Emporia State University. 

Lindell L. Lindsey, of Festus, was appointed to the Well Installation Board. 

Mr. Lindsey has owned and operated A&M Pump Inc. since 1985. He oversees all phases of water well installation and repairs the company provides, which include small commercial, private sector, and residential projects. Mr. Lindsey has been a member of the Missouri Water Well Association since 1986, including serving as the Association’s president from 2016-2018. 

David Malecki, of Edwards, was appointed as the Benton County Southern District Commissioner. 

Mr. Malecki is retired from a 28-year career with the Missouri Army National Guard. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in political science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Mr. Malecki has worked in a variety of management, budget, and transportation positions in the Kansas City area, including the Richards-Gebaur Memorial and Kansas City International airports. Mr. Malecki is past president of the Warsaw Shrine Club, member of the Ararat Shrine Temple, and board member of the Cross Timbers Rural Fire Department. 

Deborah Sue Peterson, of Farmington, was appointed to the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee. 

Ms. Peterson received a Nursing Degree from Missouri Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and subsequently spent 15 years of her career as an RN. She then spent 3 years as owner and operator of a nursing home with her husband, wherein Ms. Peterson served as the Director of Nurses. She and her husband then moved into the restaurant business, where they currently own and manage franchises of Steak 'n Shake, Cici’s Pizza, and Qdoba. Ms. Peterson is a member of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Community Improvement Industries Workshop.

Kenneth F. Scott, Jr., of Clinton, was appointed to the Missouri 911 Service Board. 

Dr. Scott is a retired family physician and current chairman of the Henry County 911 Emergency Communications Board. He has served as chairman of the county 911 board since 2015, wherein he has led successful efforts to complete multiple projects to improve county resident’s safety. Dr. Scott holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and went on to get his Medical Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. 

David L. Smith, of Nixa, was appointed to the Missouri Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Mr. Smith served as the founder and president of Smith & Associates from 1978 to 1996 and also served as president and founder of Smith-Goth Engineers until his retirement in 2012. Mr. Smith obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla. He was a charter member and past president of the Ozarks Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers and has been a member of the Missouri and National Societies of Professional Engineers.

Jason White, of Independence, was appointed to the Missouri 911 Service Board. 

Mr. White is the EMS Consultant for Mid-America Regional Council. His past career experience has included serving as the Director of Compliance and the Assistant Director for Metropolitan Ambulance Services Trust and as the State Coordinator of EMS Training for the Missouri Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Mr. White has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs from Park University. He is involved in a wide variety of community endeavors, including 4 years as a member of the Independence City Council. 

APRIL 12, 2019

Jefferson City — Governor Parson appointed Calea Stovall-Reid as Circuit Judge of the 22^nd Judicial Circuit. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Robin Ransom to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

Stovall-Reid, of St. Louis, is currently an Associate Circuit Judge in the 22^nd Judicial Circuit. She earned a B.A. in Communication Arts from Howard University and a Juris Doctorate from the Washington University School of Law. Her past experience has included time as an assistant public defender and as an assistant circuit attorney.  

Stovall-Reid is currently a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Mound City Bar Association, and a past member of the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis. Her community involvement includes serving as a volunteer child care provider at Almost Home.