JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Between activating the Missouri National Guard and promoting the cattle industry in the Show-Me State, Gov. Mike Parson waded into the controversy surrounding the license for the sole abortion provider.
On Wednesday, Missouri’s chief executive held a press conference defending the actions taken by the Department of Health and Senior Services, contending the conflict was over a “standard of care” issue. A St. Louis judge ruled in Planned Parenthood’s favor on Friday, granting a temporary restraining order.
“We are committed to and take seriously our duty to ensure that all health facilities in Missouri follow the law, abide by regulations, and protect the safety of patients,” said Parson.
A cattle rancher himself, Parson embarked on a Missouri Beef Promotion Tour. He noted, “Missouri Beef producers have a long history of caring for their cattle and the environment by protecting land, air, and water resources on their farms and ranches.”
After visiting multiple cattle ranches in the state, he capped the week by signing a bill aimed at protecting large livestock operations, including feedlots.
On Friday, Parson signed SB 391, championed by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter and Rep. Mike Mike Haffner, which prohibits local governments from creating rules for agricultural operations stricter than those already imposed at the state level.
“Senate Bill 391 is a big win for Missouri farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses,” Parson said. “We’ve now opened the doors that will allow Missouri to lead the way in meeting a growing world food demand and ensure we keep more agriculture production in our state, strengthening Missouri’s number one industry.”
He also activated the Missouri National Guard as the state continues to respond to damaging flooding, tornadoes, and severe storms and remains under the threat of additional flooding and severe storms this week.
The governor on Monday signed an executive order to activate the Guard. Under Executive Order 19-09, Guard units were deployed to support Chariton County, in part by sandbagging to reinforce a stressed levee near Brunswick. The Guard is also staging and utilizing high-water vehicles to support flood response operations in Jefferson City.
This week Parson also:
“You set the example, for me & a lot of other people out there, that everybody has a way to help if they just find a way.”
Today, @GovParsonMO recognized a JCPS student for donating $320, raised at a lemonade stand, to tornado relief efforts. So proud of you, Garrett Sommerer!! pic.twitter.com/h2TGPDpY0y
— JCPS (@JCPSTWEETS) May 31, 2019
Honored a global company like @pfizer has chosen Chesterfield for their new R&D campus. Our administration continues to focus on skilling-up our workforce. We want Missouri ready to fill these jobs in high-demand fields. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/5QAJ2qZ2i7
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 30, 2019
Celebrating the grand opening of @SwissRe’s Kansas City Office! @MissouriDIFP Director Lindley-Myers and I are happy to welcome hundreds of Swiss Re employees to the Show-Me State! pic.twitter.com/Yt3qwh1R4b
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 30, 2019
Great meeting in Kansas City with @MOCSAkc, @cpckc_org, & community leaders about their plans for a centralized location equipped to serve sexual assault victims as they navigate a path to healing. This multi-agency co-location facility would be the first of its kind in Missouri. pic.twitter.com/bDva3fCudO
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 30, 2019
We visited Kingsville Livestock Auction today to celebrate Missouri #BeefMonth!
Missouri farmers & ranchers are a driving force in the state’s economy, as the state maintains more than 4 million head of cattle & calves on more than 50,000 farms. @MoAgriculture @BeefCouncil pic.twitter.com/4xI7bFZvZX
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 28, 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.