JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – One week after news broke of an extramarital affair by Gov. Eric Greitens, and the fallout continues.
Throughout it all, the Governor has remained quiet for the most part, having bunkered down since the report first came out.
Monday proved to be a quiet day, as Missouri’s Capitol hallways were empty in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but on Tuesday, things picked right back up as five state representatives issued statements calling for the Governor to resign.
WALKER: The Governor should resign so that the state can move forward
Greitens responded with a statement that evening, saying he had made a personal mistake and he was sorry.
The Governor also issued a release on Tuesday, announcing the launch of his rural broadband initiative.
Release: Governor Greitens launches rural broadband initiative
Wednesday proved to be a quiet affair for most in the State Capitol, with the Governor making another statement on social media about cutting back on regulations.
But on Thursday, the Governor also shared his tax reform principles, most likely those he would have shared this week on his tax reform tour that had been called off.
But the Governor did receive a boon in the form of confirmations from the Senate, who approved 56 of the new appointees this week.
Also on Thursday, CNN reported that the First Lady was in Washington, reportedly visiting family.
“We’re not going to allow this situation to prevent our boys from spending wonderful time with their grandparents,” Sheena Greitens said in a statement to CNN. “I have repeatedly asked the media to respect my family’s privacy, and I’m disappointed that they continue to refuse to do so.”
Meanwhile, the rumor mill of the Capitol proved to be unreliable this week, with unconfirmed rumors of the Governor stepping down at noon on Friday circulating among lobbyists and legislators. As the “deadline” approached, the Governor’s Office issued a press release, and the deadline passed with the Governor still in office, proving once again that rumors of the Capitol are, in fact, just rumors.
When asked about the rumors by a reporter, press secretary Parker Briden reportedly responded, “No, absolutely not.”
Those of you who wanted a big announcement from Greitens today, here you go. He’s getting rid of more cars. #moleg pic.twitter.com/Y89crrWbfV
— Bryan Lowry (@BryanLowry3) January 19, 2018
The Governor’s press release announced that more vehicle reductions had been found, which he proports to saving more money.
The Governor also announced his proposal for a new state program to provide communities with matching funds for infrastructure improvements that will help create jobs.
“Our top priority is more jobs and higher pay for the people of Missouri. When I’m talking with people about how to bring more paychecks and bigger paychecks to Missouri, they often tell me that we need better infrastructure. We’re working every day to bring quality jobs back to our state, and we have to invest in infrastructure. That’s why we’re proposing a new program, the Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, to help build things like utilities, ports, and bridges to areas where jobs are sorely needed. If communities are willing to partner with us to win jobs, the state will match their investment. This will be another great tool in our mission to bring more jobs to Missouri.”
The news release states that in the Governor’s budget proposal, $25 million will be set aside for the Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, to be managed by the Department of Economic Development with cooperation from the Department of Transportation. The department will work with local leaders to determine where targeted investments can be made to create jobs, and will provide matching funds to the community. The funds may go to transportation, communications, utilities, and other vital public infrastructure needs.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
