JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s chief executive spent much of his time surveying tornado and storm damage from around the state this week.
Gov. Mike Parson was on the ground and in the air in Jefferson City Thursday and Friday, taking in the aftermath of a “devastating tornado” and monitoring flooding as river levels conditioned to rise. A state of emergency due to the weather was declared on Tuesday.
He also visited Eldon and Carl Junction — both areas heavily hit by the storm — on Thursday.
“Across the state, Missouri’s first responders once again responded quickly and with strong coordination as much of the state dealt with extremely dangerous conditions that left people injured, trapped in homes, and tragically led to the death of three people,” Parson said. “I want our responders and all the neighbors who acted selflessly to help their neighbors to know how much their heroic efforts are appreciated by all Missourians.”
It appears most of the levees are holding, there has been some toppage – Katy Trail has flooding, railroad has flooding, some road closures including HWY 94. Keep up with closures via @MoDOT.
Follow ALL instructions from local officials. pic.twitter.com/FbQAnwEbV9
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 24, 2019
The Missouri River crested earlier today. Spent part of the morning with @MoPublicSafety Director Sandy Karsten viewing the flooding along the Missouri River outside Jefferson City & Boonville. #MOFlood pic.twitter.com/1pJvOc43ac
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 24, 2019
On Friday, Parson signed a sweeping anti-abortion bill into law during a private ceremony. The controversial bill, HB 126, bans abortions after 8 weeks and includes a so-called trigger law — which would outright ban all abortions if Roe v. Wade was ever overturned.
“By signing this bill today, we are sending a strong signal to the nation that, in Missouri, we stand for life, protect women’s health, and advocate for the unborn,” Parson said in a statement. “All life has value and is worth protecting.”
The governor also signed SB 21, which adds the cities of Portageville, Riverside, and Fayette to the list of cities authorized to propose a sales tax for the purposes of improving public safety. The sales tax cannot exceed a rate of 0.5 percent.
This week Parson also:
Our new Fulton State Hospital & Jeremiah W. “Jay” Nixon Forensic Center will be safer & more conducive to modern mental health treatments. We are working to ensure every Missourian who needs mental help can find it, access it, and use it to stay healthy & safe. pic.twitter.com/uAdD2v6Cq7
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 22, 2019
This afternoon, I sat down with St. Louis Councilman Mark Harder to discuss economic development in the St. Louis region — a great future ahead! pic.twitter.com/eYZp4XRvkB
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 21, 2019
Glad to meet the new St. Louis County Executive @DrSamPage. We share similar goals in workforce development & improving Missouri’s infrastructure. Working together, we can move Missouri forward for the approximately 1 million Missourians who reside in St. Louis County. pic.twitter.com/TLucyTOCoB
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 21, 2019
Always appreciate our meetings with the Ecumenical Leadership Council of Missouri. Today, we discussed the possibility of local churches hosting job training/professional skills programs to help meet the needs of communities across the state. pic.twitter.com/kZ5HHvXE6A
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 21, 2019
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.
