JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Another one of Gov. Mike Parson’s visions for Missouri was completed this week with the restructuring of state agencies and departments.
The restructuring, billed as a way to boost Missouri’s “economic development strategy,” was the result of an executive order Parson signed in January. Parson spent the week touting the reorganization, addressing the press and state employees.
“It’s time we’re leaders of the Midwest. It’s time we’re leaders of the United States,” the Republican governor told workers gathered in the Capitol building this week.
Additionally, Parson addressed the first meeting of the Flood Recovery Advisory Group, a coalition formed by another executive order he signed. About 100 people attended the first meeting, the Governor’s Office said.
Parson was also involved in a back-and-forth with many of the state’s Demcoratic leaders about his call for a special session over a vehicle sales tax issue in September. Democrats have implored Parson to call lawmakers back to Jefferson City to address the gun violence crippling the state, particularly in St. Louis.
The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus asked Parson to “indicate that the topic of gun violence, especially the increased number of deaths of innocent children, was worthy of inclusion in the … special session of the Missouri General Assembly.”
Parson, however, has said the special session is not the “avenue” to address that issue.
Parson made two judicial appointments in the 21st Judicial Court his week: Matthew Hearne as associate circuit judge and Renée Hardin-Tammons as circuit judge.
More on what the governor did this week:
Great to meet with former State Senator James Noland who served our country during World War II.
Appreciate every chance I get to sit down with those who served during WWII and listen to their unique perspectives and advice. pic.twitter.com/EDQkDTeX79
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 27, 2019
This afternoon, we presented the @MoMilHistory museum a few additions to the @USSMissouri display. We are proud of our namesake ship. We are proud of the Mighty Mo! pic.twitter.com/6FylrdMrWz
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 27, 2019
Joined the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council for a 2019 economic development awards ceremony.
It’s always a great when we get to celebrate the positive economic changes in our local communities. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/NEjcqh2GQO
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 27, 2019
Today marks the official restructuring of four state agencies, signaling a major milestone in our plan to improve state government. We are starting the celebrations with @MissouriDCI. Missouri's DIFP has now become the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI). #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/pgoV7JAPB8
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 28, 2019
From apprenticeships ➡️ certificates ➡️ doctoral programs, our new and improved @MODHEWD will focus on ALL postsecondary options! As part of restructuring, they gain the Division of Workforce Development & the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. #WeServeMO pic.twitter.com/gFX9hBWG6G
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 28, 2019
Discussed Missouri’s rural healthcare needs with members of @MOHospitals this afternoon.
We also touched on the ongoing challenges in the healthcare industry and the need for a highly-skilled workforce. pic.twitter.com/74cvtFmSYp
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 28, 2019
It’s the local emergency managers and first responders who communities rely on in the worst of times, including this year’s disasters.
Grateful for the chance to share my sincere thanks with the folks at @MoSEMA_ Missouri State Emergency Management Conference today. pic.twitter.com/MJoYDPflfh
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 29, 2019
Very proud of Dr. Collins-Hart from @HazelwoodSD in St. Louis County. Her bold leadership has gained national recognition and she was recently named National Superintendent of the Year by @NASStoday! pic.twitter.com/8CpKHdGtci
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 29, 2019
We are thrilled to welcome Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to our district today! Students really enjoyed meeting him! @GovParsonMO #hsdpridehsdproud pic.twitter.com/KdjryJqJCO
— Hazelwood School District (@HazelwoodSD) August 29, 2019
We met with Sarah’s brother John Frey and took a tour of their operations. Great to know our Missouri growers supply chains like Wal-Mart and Trader Joes with great quality produce. pic.twitter.com/UaLgrmkjqy
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 29, 2019
Met Steve & Ken Robinson at their family’s cotton gin in Holland.
As a farmer who operates a cow & calf operation, I was fascinated to learn more about the cotton crop. While we farm in different ways, we discovered a shared experience in generational farming. pic.twitter.com/lLlBCBBXwT
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 29, 2019
Stopped by Patty Ann’s in Hayti for a piece of pecan pie.
Delicious! pic.twitter.com/DJL3IPomlj
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 29, 2019
Thank you to Jason Bean and the entire team at the Fisher Delta Research Center with @MUResearchCtr for hosting Delta Days.
Glad to be in Southeast Missouri focused on agriculture education and research! pic.twitter.com/MfqGRjU0ri
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 30, 2019
Thank you to the hundreds of folks from Southeast Missouri who welcomed us to the Bootheel for Delta Days!
Please to hear that Mizzou will continue to make major investments in and promote the Fisher Delta Research Center @MUResearchCtr in Portageville. pic.twitter.com/nZeyEisb28
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) August 30, 2019
Kaitlyn Schallhorn was the editor in chief of The Missouri Times from 2020-2022. She joined the newspaper in early 2019 after working as a reporter for Fox News in New York City.
Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has covered political campaigns across the U.S., including the 2016 presidential election, and humanitarian aid efforts in Africa and the Middle East.
She is a native of Missouri who studied journalism at Winthrop University in South Carolina. She is also an alumna of the National Journalism Center in Washington, D.C.
Contact Kaitlyn at kaitlyn@themissouritimes.com.