Governor Parson Delivers 2021 State of the State Address

Governor Parson delivered the 2021 State of the State Address this week, with the subject of the pandemic front and center. The governor first acknowledged the challenges of the past year in dealing with COVID-19, then launched into a list of actions his team has taken to mitigate the virus.

He then introduced parts of his $34.1 billion budget for FY 2022. He spoke about his priorities of workforce development and infrastructure. To get children ready for the state's future workforce, he announced a consolidation of different programs and divisions across state agencies into a new Office of the Childhood. He also announced plans to seek funds for expanding and improving broadband. Governor Parson verbalized his commitment to expand Medicaid to the 275,000 low-income residents after the expansion takes effect on July 1. He stated that the federal government increased its contribution to the program for FY 22, so the state could afford it now, but expansion may have a major impact on the budget in FY 23. Governor Parson announced other legislative priorities including changes to foster care and adoption laws, a pay increase for state workers, full funding of K-12 schools through a $3.56 billion foundation formula, and the Wayfair tax fix. The full transcript of the address can be accessed here, and a video recording can be found here.

Traditionally, Missouri governors give the address in the House Chamber, but Governor Parson's address was moved to the Senate Chamber because of an outbreak of the virus in the General Assembly.