Missouri
Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson said the state is strong today and will be even stronger tomorrow. The governor noted challenges the state has faced due to COVID-19, while stating it has made progress using common sense and a balanced approach to the pandemic. Additionally, the governor said the economy has nearly fully recovered while highlighting the state’s low unemployment rate, job creation, increased business investments, and a historic budget surplus. The governor said due to the state’s economic performance, the personal income tax rate will be lowered to 5.3 percent; he also called for setting aside an additional 2.5 percent of general revenue to help prepare for future downturns.
In his address, the governor focused on increased investments in several areas to help create greater opportunities in the future including workforce and education, infrastructure, agriculture, community investments, healthcare, and public safety. Concerning workforce and education, the governor called for continued support of the state’s Fast Track program, a cost-of-living adjustment for all state employees, fully funding the K-12 foundation formula, raising teacher pay, increased funding for colleges and universities through MO Excels projects, and expanded career and technical education programs.
The governor said for the state to be successful it must invest in both workforce development and infrastructure. To that end, the governor recommended making additional dollars available for localities to improve drinking water and wastewater treatment, added funds to enhance storm water systems, continued support of the state’s program to repair or replace bridges, additional road repairs, further increasing broadband, and upgrading cell towers to expand wireless networks. The governor also said infrastructure improvements are important for the state’s number one industry, agriculture. For Missouri agriculture to remain strong, the governor proposed extending agricultural tax credits and increased funding to expand agriculture innovation and workforce programs.
Another area of focus was on creating more opportunities for communities. The governor recommended setting aside funds for a statewide revitalization grant program to spur local economic development, as well as starting construction on the Rock Island trail to help expand tourism.
The governor said one of the lessons of the pandemic is the need to strengthen health care networks across the state. He recommended added investments to increase access to telehealth and telemedicine services, create a new multi-agency state health laboratory, and double the capacity of Missouri autism centers.
Finally, the governor discussed public safety including addressing violent crime. The governor said the state should ensure consistent requirements and appropriate penalties to hold violent criminals accountable, continue to support second amendment rights, provide more scholarships for law enforcement officers, and provide upgrades to the law enforcement training academy at Lincoln University. In addition, the governor called for increased funding at health centers to ensure those with behavioral health and substance use disorders receive needed treatment.