JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Coming out of Labor Day weekend, Missouri’s Governor Mike Parson began his week on Tuesday by speaking about the upcoming special session.
On Tuesday, Parson spoke in Springfield with Rep. Kevin Austin about the need for new treatment court legislation, as well as making a stop in Hannibal.
Glad to work with Rep. @KevinLAustin1 on new treatment court legislation. We are happy to announce that next week’s special session will focus on expanding treatment courts and allow more folks access to treatment and recovery, rather than being incarcerated. pic.twitter.com/rpD5PnzqC4
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 4, 2018
Highlights from the event include Angie Presley’s powerful testimony about how treatment courts can transform lives, and seeing the Greene County Sherrif’s team along with #K9Lor again. pic.twitter.com/D25LqA8ep7
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 4, 2018
Appreciate the Hannibal Police Dept. for their efforts fighting the opioid crisis – and with the expansion of treatment courts, we’re now going to be able to do more! #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/NLwMy6bO7O
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 4, 2018
Gov. Parson also headed to Springfield that day, speaking at Launch Code about the role STEM education plays in workforce development. He also continued the discussion again with a stop at Cerner.
STEM Education plays an important role in preparing our students for the workforce demands of tomorrow. Thanks to @launchcode for hosting today’s important announcement and for their efforts working to create alternative pathways for careers in technology! #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/PSspgl3ErO
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 4, 2018
Continuing our discussions @Cerner today about preparing the workforce of tomorrow – expanding STEM education opportunities for our students is crucial to ensuring the next generation has the tools they need to be successful! #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/zsUS9u2DJS
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 5, 2018
He’s calling on lawmakers to consider gubernatorial appointments as well.
You can read more about the two items to debated in the upcoming special session here:
Workforce development takes lead in special session as legislature debates STEM education bill
Wednesday saw the kick off of the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development in Kansas City, which began with a 9 a.m. roundtable to discuss the importance of STEM education and workforce development. Wednesday was also the day in which Parson signed the proclamations for the special session.
The opening ceremony began at 1 p.m. with the introduction of special guest Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee.
Grateful to TN Governor @BillHaslam for kick starting #GovCon2018 — focusing on TN’s successes in #WorkforceDevelopment & #Infrastructure! pic.twitter.com/SDAw0aRcLR
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 5, 2018
Taking a deep dive into where Missouri stands and how we can move our state forward. #GOVCON2018 #BestinMidwest #Talent4Tomorrow @zzmulligan @DixonRob @MoEcoDevo pic.twitter.com/KcmKm8zUAd
— Missouri Department of Higher Education (@MoHigherEd) September 5, 2018
That afternoon, Parson toured Metropolitan Community College and met with students and teachers.
Enjoyed touring @MCCKansasCity’s state of the art surgical technology suite at Penn Valley’s Health Science Institute this afternoon. Appreciate Chancellor Dr. Beatty for her leadership in preparing the workforce of tomorrow! #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/yMmbteCRWX
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 5, 2018
@KCPS_ECA students had a great visit with @GovParsonMO today. Thank you for taking time to meet with them! @MarkBedell_KCPS @kcpublicschools @PPearsonKC pic.twitter.com/KXGJQrNnfl
— Dr. Christy Harrison (@CHarrison2080) September 5, 2018
Nothing says Happy (early) 100 Days in office like a little cake. Congratulations @GovParsonMO! #GovCon2018 #BestinMidwest #Talent4Tommorow @zzmulligan @DixonRob pic.twitter.com/iUMnLBaTUC
— Missouri Department of Higher Education (@MoHigherEd) September 6, 2018
On Thursday, Parson delivered his keynote address.
My entire administration is working to help our state become the #BestinMidwest and by focusing on two priories – workforce development and infrastructure – we can reach this goal. #GovCon2018 #Talent4Tommorow pic.twitter.com/FkT96hj9Tr
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 6, 2018
Nothing says Happy (early) 100 Days in office like a little cake. Congratulations @GovParsonMO! #GovCon2018 #BestinMidwest #Talent4Tommorow @zzmulligan @DixonRob pic.twitter.com/iUMnLBaTUC
— Missouri Department of Higher Education (@MoHigherEd) September 6, 2018
On Friday, Parson headed to St. Louis, where he spent the day visiting various spots around the city with Mayor Lyda Krewson and Kansas City Mayor Sly James.
Spending the day with STL Mayor @LydaKrewson and KC Mayor @MayorSlyJames continuing our collaborative efforts working to bridge the urban and rural divide. #STL #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/Bjq8pJLa5V
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 7, 2018
Among his stops were Nathaniel Rivers Place Apartments, MADE (Makers Artists Designers Entrepreneurs), T-REX, oosevelt High School (JAG Program), Ranken Technical College, and Real Time Crime Center.
Incredible display of craftsmanship at @made_stl (Makers, Artist, Designers, and Entrepreneurs). We learned about the innovative ways creativity is being encouraged in St. Louis. @LydaKrewson @MayorSlyJames #STL #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/3dYBN2yLvA
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 7, 2018
The workplace & economy look very different than they used to, and they will continue to change thanks to technology and automation. Vocational programs like those at @ranken help give young adults real-world career skills. @LydaKrewson @MayorSlyJames #STL #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/HlKTZNmOac
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 7, 2018
Hearing about the impacts of crime cameras and other cutting-edge technologies at the @SLMPD Real Time Crime Center. Keeping citizens safe is one of the main functions of government. @LydaKrewson @MayorSlyJames #STL #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/psrRALadY1
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 7, 2018
Parson also gave an address while visiting the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, and met with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial Board that afternoon.
Governor Parson addresses the City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen
Really appreciated the chance to address the St. Louis Board of Aldermen! Together we can tackle our shared challenges as we are all focused on moving Missouri forward. @LydaKrewson @MayorSlyJames #STL pic.twitter.com/uPnKPm8c8A
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) September 7, 2018
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.