Missouri governor says speech venue change disrespected him

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says lawmakers disrespected him when House leaders told him he couldn't give his State of the State address in that chamber because of coronavirus concerns.

The Republican wrote a letter Friday accusing GOP lawmakers of a “disgusting scheme” to embarrass him.

The governor traditionally delivers an annual speech to lawmakers in the House.

Parson says the House told him he couldn’t use that chamber hours before he was set to speak Wednesday.

Republican legislative leaders said they switched venues for better social distancing.

The top Senate Democrat questioned why Parson gave an in-person speech at all.