Gov. Parson says “Missouri has prevailed” in first State of the State of the pandemic
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) -
Gov. Mike Parson touted the ways government was able to work despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor's State of the State address, the first such address since the start of the pandemic in March, discussed many of the challenges the state has seen in recent years, including flooding and violent crime.
"I sometimes joke about my gray hair, but to be very honest, this gray hair was earned through thick and thin, ups and downs, success and failures," Parson said. "And the last challenge I have left as Governor of this state is how I can make Missouri a better place."
Parson's speech focused on how to improve the lives of Missourians through early childhood programs and workforce training. Parson announced the creation of the Office of Childhood, described as "a consolidation of several different programs and divisions across three divisions."
The proposed budget also proposes $21 million for the MoExcels program, which helps develop job training programs in higher education institutions.
Gov. Parson's proposed budget for fiscal year 2022 includes $1.9 billion to expand the state's Medicaid program. Voters approved the expansion in the August 2020 election. The expansion includes nearly $130 million in use of state funds, with the federal government pitching in $1.65 billion.
The proposed budget also includes $100 million to for repairs to state buildings.
Read the full 2021 State of the State speech below.
