Missouri Chamber of Commerce, University of Missouri comment on State of the State Address

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Parson spoke to the state assembly for the 2022 State of the State speech focusing on workforce, education, infrastructure, agriculture, community development, health care and public safety. 

"With a historic budget surplus and federal dollars coming to our state, we want to build on our past momentum to capture even greater opportunities for the future of Missourians," Gov. Parson said in the speech.

The University of Missouri system president and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce president each responded to Gov. Mike Parson's 2022 State of the State speech.

Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry president releases statement on speech

As Missourians seek to move forward from the dark days of the ongoing pandemic, I would like to thank Gov. Mike Parson for using his State of the State address to lay out a refreshingly positive vision for Missouri. While many challenges remain, our economy continues to strengthen and recover thanks to how our state has responded to adversity under Gov. Parson’s leadership. The Missouri Chamber agrees with the governor that Missouri is strong today — and will be stronger tomorrow. As we continue our recovery this year, we share the governor’s focus on preparing our state’s workforce and investing in our vital connections and infrastructure — two foundations of our economy. This includes repairing our transportation system, building out broadband, continuing Missouri’s successful Fast Track program and making efforts to expand access to career technical education and innovative apprenticeship opportunities. Research tied to the Missouri Chamber’s Missouri 2030 strategic vision shows that these same efforts, alongside new targeted legislation, will help us take advantage of an emerging opportunity to attract technology and innovation industry investment and bring strong growth to our state. As we move forward, the Missouri Chamber is closely aligned with Gov. Parson’s positive vision for our economy. Missouri’s business community is united and ready to help build a stronger future for our state.

Daniel P. Mehan, president and CEO, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry

UM System President encouraged by Missouri Governor’s address 

For more than 180 years, we have partnered with the state of Missouri to educate future leaders and improve the lives of Missouri citizens through groundbreaking research discoveries. Funding such as this helps us maintain high-quality education and deliver on our research mission. This is very encouraging news for higher education, and we are grateful for the governor’s bold leadership and his recognition of the critical role the University of Missouri plays in the vitality of our state.

Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri

Read a full transcript of the State of the State speech here.