Parson unveils workforce development plans

Gov. Mike Parson unveiled plans Thursday to restructure several agencies with the goal of improving economic and workforce development.

Parson held a news conference in his office with the heads of several state agencies to announce his executive order implementing some of the changes, which include the creation of a regional workforce development division and moving the Division of Workforce Development under the Department of Higher Education.

Parson’s plan includes new initiatives that will create one-time funds for college and universities to expand programs in high demand and a financial aid program for adults furthering their education.

“When you look at our economy, you see a lot of good things — low unemployment, job growth, wage growth,” Parson said in a news release. “But when you look at what’s happening in our neighboring states, you see that we could be doing a lot better. We believe these changes will move Missouri forward. This is how we become the best in the Midwest.”

A playback of the live video stream of the event is available below.

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