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This Week in the Governor’s Office: Week of October 21, 2019

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s chief executive lauded the work educators do on Monday at a banquet dedicated to those who stand out in the profession.

Gov. Mike Parson, whose daughter is a teacher, was one of the speakers at the 2020 Missouri Teacher of the Year banquet.

“Being an educator today is not an easy job. It is a job that takes many hours of hard work and sacrifice,” Parson said in his speech. “Families are different, children are different, and education is always changing, but there is a reason you went into the profession. Everyone in this room may come from a different background but we all have one thing in common when it comes to the work we do: It’s called passion.”

“I am confident with outstanding teachers, like those we are recognizing tonight, our children are receiving the best education possible,” he continued.

This week, Parson also continued his discussion on violent crime in the state. In Kansas City, he chatted with Mayor Quiton Lucas and Police Chief Rick Smith on “working together” to “help make our Missouri communities safer.” The need for more mental health services was also a topic.

While in Kansas City, Parson also met with Rep. Richard Brown and several community pastors and leaders. Additionally, he connected with Veterans Community Project and Jason Kander to learn how the group is helping veterans.

On Wednesday, Parson spoke with the Missouri Senate Republican Caucus on 2019 successes and the 2020 session.

Throughout the week, Parson made several stops across the state to tour bridges that will be replaced through the Focus on Bridges program.