JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s 57th Governor had a full week that he kicked off by announcing the new chief of the state’s Medicaid program and included meeting signing into law a bill passed during a special legislative session and meeting with the Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) board.
On Monday, House Speaker Todd Richardson was named as the new director of MO HealthNet effective November 1, 2018, by Gov. Mike Parson. The position has lacked a permanent head since the departure of Dr. Joe Parks on December 31, 2016.
Parson also visited Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis in his continued advocacy for workforce development — which was a common theme throughout the week.
As we continue our focus on #workforcedevelopment I am grateful for the opportunity to visit with @HarrisStowe today. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/PKkAOylvNH
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 22, 2018
Great to see folks at the @ClayCountyEDC are just as passionate about workforce development as I am.
Together we can move #MissouriForward. pic.twitter.com/jx6ilfPnWC
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 24, 2018
Last night we spoke to the @MissouriChamber graduation ceremony for their #LeadMO18 program. This year they focused on; workforce development, infrastructure, retaining young professionals, and the urban-rural divide. Expect to get real-world solutions. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/gnd4EwHune
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 26, 2018
The JAG Missouri Board, which Parson sits on along with Teresa Parson, met in the Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday. JAG is a program that the Parsons have been heavily involved with during Parson’s tenure in the lieutenant governor’s office.
Productive talks with the @JAGMissouri board today! @FirstLadyTeresa and I got to host this year at the People’s Mansion. JAG is an important program for many Missouri students and works to help them succeed in high school & when entering the work force. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/dpqdrr99lg
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 23, 2018
He also recognized the staff at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for their hard work.
Congratulations to these @MOEducation staff members for their years of service & dedication to the State of Missouri. Quality education for the children of Missouri will always remain a top priority with this administration, and this team plays an important role! #ShowMeSuccess pic.twitter.com/YWYWVfyv1E
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 23, 2018
Wednesday, saw the governor traveling to the Kansas City region of the state where he recognized the investment global companies have made in the state.
Governor Parson signs proclamation supporting international investment
We made history today by signing Missouri’s first Open Investment Policy statement! Missouri is home to over 650 global companies, and by signing we are reaffirming our commitment to both existing and potential businesses and expanding access to jobs. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/jyhDOs2HwM
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 24, 2018
Today we toured @MagnaInt’s LMV Automotive facility in Liberty. Magna International employs more than 900 Missourians. Every day, we are looking to find good solutions and preparing our state’s workforce to meet the demands of tomorrow. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/tvRjlcjd76
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 24, 2018
On Thursday, Parson signed the drug treatment court legislation that was passed during a special session.
Looking for a location to Trick or Treat in Missouri’s Capital City? The Parsons are opening up the Governor’s Mansion for that very occasion.
We invite children and their parents to stop by and visit the People’s Mansion for some treats on October 31. @FirstLadyTeresa and I are looking forward to it! pic.twitter.com/3AZl9tqh5O
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 23, 2018
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
