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.
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.
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:
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."
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 $169 million in exports in 2023.
Today, during a signing ceremony at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill 1803 into law. HB 1803 increases the total amount of state funds the State Treasurer may invest into the MOBUCK$ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.