JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s chief executive has a full week that was highlighted by the visit of President Donald Trump.
On Thursday, the country’s commander-in-chief visited Columbia, Missouri, for a ‘Make America Great Again’ campaign rally that was attended by several top Republicans.
At the rally, Parson addressed the crowd, stating he was proud to call Trump “President” and that he looks forward to continue working with him.
Parson started off the day by holding a meeting with Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Missouri’s new Chief Information Officer Mike Cheles, the President of the Missouri County Clerk’s Association Cathy Daniels, and a representative from the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday to discuss the state’s election security in advance of November 6, 2018.
In a press conference that followed, state officials said they are confident in their ability to protect the integrity of the process and defend against cyber threats.
He also attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Quaker Windows’ in Eldon and the grand opening of a state of the art training center for the Special Olympics, all on Thursday.
Attended a groundbreaking ceremony for @QuakerWindows’ new location in Eldon. They face the same challenges as other Missouri Businesses: workforce & infrastructure. Eldon offered strong community partnerships attractive to business and now will see 290 new jobs. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/aTuxAaXNut
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) November 1, 2018
Proud to participate in the grand opening of a state of the art training center for the @SpecialOlympics right here in Missouri. To all our athletes, you have earned this. You are more than just athletes. You are ambassadors of empowerment. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/iQwgvGlWxv
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) November 1, 2018
Parson signed into law House Bill 3 at Grand Center Arts Academy in St. Louis and at Poplar Bluff High School in Poplar Bluff. HB 3 deals with computer science, expanding course opportunities for high school students, creating a certification process for teachers, establishing a fund for any future public and private financial support, and developing curriculum standards.
Special thanks goes to Rep. Travis Fitzwater for this important piece of legislation. Travis was the sponsor of this bill, and he played an important role in getting this to the finish line. pic.twitter.com/bWQ2CFAm5I
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 30, 2018
Great to be in STL to sign a STEM Education & Computer Science bill — providing more opportunity for Missouri students. Currently we have over 10,000 vacant STEM jobs in the state. If we are serious about workforce development we start here. #MissouriForward #STEM #ShowMeSuccess pic.twitter.com/vdgnCbkIqm
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 30, 2018
Great to meet with students from @PBHSmules today as we signed the STEM Education & Computer Science bill. These changes will allow students to learn based on real-world settings and explore career options in the field of computer science. #MissouriForward #STEM pic.twitter.com/cR41quJH2o
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 30, 2018
Wednesday marked the last day of October: Halloween. To celebrate the occasion, Parson and his wife, Teresa, opened up the Governor’s Mansion to trick or treaters. Parson’s costume was that of a farmer.
About to open the gates! The People’s Mansion will be open for Trick-or-Treaters from 5:30-7pm tonight. pic.twitter.com/lLQyvmWZ7z
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 31, 2018
Great to see all the neat costumes! Come on out if you have the chance. pic.twitter.com/XQq43L2WxR
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 31, 2018
Parson and Missouri Treasurer Eric Schmitt touted their steps towards a more transparent state budget when discussing two fledging websites that give taxpayers easy to access information.
State touts improved transparency through Show-Me Checkbook, Missouri Budget Explorer
Missouri’s governor rounded out the week by speaking with American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri and the Independence Chamber of Commerce.
Good to be with @acecwylie and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri this morning to discuss infrastructure in our state. Infrastructure is our common interest and remains a top priority for my administration. Together we can move #MissouriForward! pic.twitter.com/ooSLi3mR6U
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) November 2, 2018
Appreciated the chance to talk to the @IndepChamber today about where we as leaders can act on infrastructure, transportation, and workforce development. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/M7w5D9B70Q
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) November 2, 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.