Category: US State of Missouri

Source: US State of Missouri

Governor Mike Kehoe announced today that he will lead a Missouri delegation to the Republic of Panama, August 5-8, to celebrate 30 years of the Missouri National Guard’s partnership with Panama, as well as promote the state as a prime destination for global business investment and expansion.

“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of military partnership with Panama and the dedicated service of the brave men and women of the Missouri National Guard,” said Governor Kehoe. “During this trade mission, we will strengthen relationships with key international partners and showcase Missouri’s strengths, competitiveness, and capacity for partnership and trade directly with government officials, diplomats, and business leaders.”

Governor Kehoe will meet with government officials and diplomats in addition to visiting Missouri National Guard service members who are participating in a multinational exercise, PANAMAX, focused on the security of the Panama Canal and region through joint, combined, and interagency operations. The Governor will also participate in a tour of the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal.

Delegation meetings will include visits with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera, Panama Minister of Commerce and Industry Julio A. Moltó A., Panama Minister of Agricultural Development Roberto José Linares Tribaldos, and Panama Minister of Canal Jose Ramon Icaza.

Governor Kehoe will be joined on the trade mission by Major General Charles D. Hausman – Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard (MONG), Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) Director Michelle Hataway, Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Chris Chinn, as well as additional members of the Missouri National Guard and economic development partners.

“For more than three decades, the Missouri National Guard has worked side by side with our partners in Panama through the State Partnership Program,” said MONG Adjutant General Hausman. “This long standing relationship helps both our nations grow stronger by building skills, sharing expertise, and preparing together for the challenges we face. It’s a partnership that not only strengthens readiness but also deepens the trust and cooperation that are essential in today’s world.”

Since 1996, the Missouri National Guard has participated in a State Partnership Program (SPP) with Panama. The SPP supports the United States’ security cooperation objectives by developing relationships with partner countries and carrying out activities to build capacity. The program also improves interoperability while increasing the readiness of U.S. and partner forces to meet emerging challenges.

Consistent with Governor Kehoe’s economic development priorities, the delegation will work to attract future investment from prospective companies and promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade. 

“This trade mission to Panama reflects our commitment to expanding Missouri’s global reach, strengthening international partnerships, and opening new markets for Missouri-made products,” said DED Director Hataway. “By connecting our businesses with international buyers and investors, we are creating opportunities that support growth, encourage investment, and ultimately help more Missourians prosper.”

Panama is a key trade partner for Missouri, with $17.7 million in exports in 2025, and the top exports including food products, machinery, chemicals, and transportation equipment.  

“Increasing trade opportunities for agriculture products is critical for Missouri farmers and ranchers,” said MDA Director Chinn. “The nation of Panama is an emerging market and offers tremendous potential for Missouri producers of both raw and value-added products.”

---

During Governor Kehoe’s absence, Lieutenant Governor Wasinger will serve as Acting Governor, allowing him to exercise certain gubernatorial powers with written consent of the Governor.

The Governor’s participation in trade missions is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization that supports the work of the Missouri Partnership and its mission to attract new businesses to the state.

For updates on the trade mission, follow Governor Mike Kehoe on Facebook and @GovMikeKehoe on X.

Source: US State of Missouri

– Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two gubernatorial appointments to the State Board of Education.

“We are proud today to appoint two new members to the State Board of Education, including an active classroom teacher,” said Governor Kehoe. “Our administration will continue to support and work with the Board on efforts to modernize and improve Missouri’s public schools for the benefit of families and communities across our state.”

Michael McDonald, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

Mr. McDonald is currently a math teacher for the Park Hill School District and has over 20 years of experience in the classroom. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. McDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from MidAmerica Nazarene University, and an Education Specialist degree in Principalship from Arkansas State University.

Vincent Schoemehl Jr., of St. Louis City, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

Mr. Schoemehl was the president and CEO of Grand Center, Inc before retiring in 2015. He remains active in his community serving as a board member of the St. Louis Language Immersion Charter School. He previously served on the St. Louis Public Schools Board, Board of Alderman and as Mayor of St. Louis City. Schoemehl holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

###

Source: US State of Missouri

 ***MEDIA ADVISORY***

 Senator Rick Brattin, Secretary of State to Address Media Regarding Library Programming

 JEFFERSON CITY – State Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, will hold a press conference in collaboration with Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to address   their proposed investigation into a mid-Missouri library’s event for young children.

 The event will take place Tuesday, July 28 at 2 p.m. outside of the Secretary of State’s office in the Missouri Capitol, Room 121.

 WHO: Senator Rick Brattin; Secretary of State Denny Hoskins

 WHERE: Missouri Capitol, Secretary of State’s Office, Room 121

 WHEN: 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026

###

Source: US State of Missouri

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in nine counties in response to historic flash flooding and severe storms July 9-11.

“Our SEMA regional coordinators have continued working alongside local officials to document extensive damage following last Friday’s unprecedented rainfall through this week as the floodwaters receded,” Governor Kehoe said. “These joint damage assessments with FEMA will verify damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in support of a request for a federal disaster declaration and federal assistance. This is an important next step as we continue working to assist our impacted communities.”

Joint PDAs were requested for Bollinger, Crawford, Iron, Madison, Morgan, Reynolds, Ripley, Washington, and Wayne counties. Additional counties could be added as local officials continue to document damage.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, July 21, six teams will verify documented damage to determine whether FEMA Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure. Both state and county thresholds must be met in order for a county to be included in the request.

To assist families and individuals in the region who were affected, SEMA’s Emergency Human Services section has coordinated with volunteer and faith-based partners and other state and local agencies to establish a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Reynolds County. A MARC is a central location or “one-stop shop” that brings together recovery resources and support services near the impacted communities and can include cleaning supplies, insurance information, food stamp replacement, emergency financial assistance, legal services, and more. 

Reynolds County MARC (2 days)
VFW Post 6660 R.C.
2316 Green Street
Centerville, MO 63633
Friday, July 24 | Noon – 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 25 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Agencies at the MARC can only assist individuals and families, not businesses. Individuals are asked to bring photo identification showing their address and proof of residence to be eligible for assistance from some agencies. If identification has been lost due to damage, representatives at the MARC can assist residents with information on how to replace IDs and other important paperwork.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or going to 211helps.org or calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, visit recovery.mo.gov.  

Source: US State of Missouri

Following the conclusion of FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches and events in Kansas City, Governor Mike Kehoe reflected on the impact of the tournament on the State of Missouri and the successful efforts of state agencies that assisted in delivering a safe and memorable experience for residents and hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe.

“The World Cup brought the world to Kansas City, providing an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Missouri as an incredible state to visit, live, work, and invest,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri’s internationally recognized success was the result of years of planning, the warmth and welcoming spirit of our citizens, and the collaboration of many partners. The entire state made the most of this historic opportunity, proving that Missouri can deliver on the global stage.”

Prioritizing Public Safety 

The State of Missouri invested more than $108 million towards security and safety efforts throughout the tournament.

In April, Governor Kehoe signed an executive order activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which enabled state agencies to coordinate across jurisdictions to expedite emergency management assistance.

The following Missouri state agencies contributed to public safety and emergency management efforts throughout the tournament: 

• Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS)

• Missouri National Guard (MONG)

• Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

• Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH)

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)

“To every local, state, and federal first responder and law enforcement officer, citizen-soldier, and state agency team member who contributed to the safety and success of hosting events of this magnitude — thank you. By working together toward a common mission, you showed the world the professionalism and excellence of our public safety and emergency management teams,” said Governor Kehoe.

Key Highlights:

• The Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1) provided medical assistance and logistics support at Fan Fest and Arrowhead Stadium, embedded interpreters to assist with translation as needed, and worked with the DMH’s Behavioral Health Strike Team to implement psychological first aid. A total of 277 patients were treated by MO DMAT-1 over 20 days.

• More than 15 federal, state, and volunteer agencies were represented at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), with a combined total of over 140 personnel providing support and coordination throughout the event. This included members of the Region C and Region I Incident Support Teams. In addition to onsite partners at the SEOC, DPS/SEMA had forward-facing staff embedded in Kansas City and at the Regional Coordination Center, serving as liaison officers and supporting local, state, and federal coordination.

• Over 80 law enforcement agencies from Missouri and six other states assisted the Kansas City Missouri Police Department with highly coordinated operations.

• During World Cup activities, Missouri’s public safety teams also demonstrated their ability to simultaneously respond with speed and professionalism to critical incidents ranging from the skydiving plane crash in Butler, Missouri, that killed 12 people, weeks of severe storms and unprecedented flash flooding that required massive swift-water rescue operations, and a MONG helicopter evacuation of hundreds of stranded campers.

Driving Economic Development Opportunity

Governor Kehoe and state economic development officials, including the Missouri Department of Economic Development, leveraged matches in Kansas City to amplify Missouri’s global economic impact and make the strategic case for further investment and expansion within Missouri.

“We didn’t just welcome soccer fans to Missouri — we welcomed global business and government leaders. When visiting with companies, we made it clear that Missouri’s skilled workforce, central location, and pro-business climate make our state the ideal place to invest and grow a business,” said Governor Kehoe. 

Because the Kansas City region served as the team base camp for four countries and hosted six matches, including a quarter-final, the Governor was able to engage with government and business leaders from across the nation and world.

The meetings served a dual strategy: attracting new domestic and international enterprises to the state while pitching further expansion opportunities to companies that already call Missouri home. 

The meetings focused on building relationships with companies in key Missouri industries — including advanced manufacturing and energy, food solutions and agriculture technology, biosciences, and distribution and logistics — aiming to translate the tournament’s temporary economic footprint into long-term statewide growth.

Key Highlights:

• Relationship Building: Strengthened international relationships through meetings with ambassadors from Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Argentina.

• Global Pitch: Positioned Missouri as an innovative hub with a competitive cost of doing business, a strong skilled workforce, and a high quality of life.

• Statewide Impact: Fostered relationships expected to drive future investments not just in the Kansas City region, but throughout rural and urban communities across Missouri.

By converting the influx of domestic and international visitors into concrete economic development opportunities, Governor Kehoe’s administration continues to prioritize economic development as a cornerstone of his administration.

Several photos of Governor Kehoe at meetings, events, and matches are available on the Governor’s Office Flickr page. 

Source: US State of Missouri

Source: US State of Missouri

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed the remaining legislation passed by the Missouri General Assembly during the Second Regular Session of the One Hundred Third General Assembly.

“Today’s bill signings follow a thorough review of all the legislation sent to my desk this year,” said Governor Kehoe. “I appreciate the efforts of the men and women of the One Hundred Third General Assembly during one of the most productive legislative sessions in recent history. I look forward to continuing to work with legislators in the years ahead to make Missouri even safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

Source: US State of Missouri

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bills (HB) 2372 and 2974 and Senate Bills (SB) 878, 999, 1019, and 1233 into law, reflecting Missouri’s commitment to improving healthcare access, transparency, and protections for vulnerable populations. 

“I was proud to sign six bills into law today that will improve healthcare services for Missourians across our state,” said Governor Kehoe. “From increasing telehealth access to improving the licensing process for healthcare providers, these bills play a critical role in moving Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Program forward. I would like to thank the members of the House and Senate for their work to protect our most vulnerable, hold insurance companies accountable, and change the landscape of healthcare access and outcomes in communities across the state.”

SB 999, sponsored by Senator Brad Hudson and Representative Brian Seitz, modifies provisions relating to vulnerable persons. 

• Creates the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act,” extending legal rights to infants who survive an abortion attempt.

• Expands the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Board and tasks the board with tracking mortality patterns within maternity care deserts.

HB 2372, sponsored by Representative Tara Peters and Senator Mike Bernskoetter, modifies provisions relating to health care. 

• Increases access to healthcare by allowing patients to establish relationships with physicians through telehealth interactions and by reducing barriers for ambulance services to provide primary and preventative care in underserved communities via community paramedics.

• Provides patients with new protections against health insurance practices that limit access to anesthesia services and contrast-enhanced mammograms.

• Increases transparency on hospital pricing and on health insurance prior authorization practices.

• Authorizes the Department of Health and Senior Services to begin tracking and reporting Alpha Gal Syndrome.

HB 2974, sponsored by Representative Melanie Stinnett and Senator Jamie Burger, modifies provisions relating to licensure reciprocity, including waivers for health care professionals providing for telehealth services and certain interstate compacts. 

• Specifies that a healthcare provider who has received license reciprocity in Missouri can provide telehealth services within the profession’s scope of practice.

• Allows physician assistants to practice across participating states without obtaining additional licenses.

Governor Kehoe also signed:

• SB 878, sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Bennie Cook, modifies provisions relating to pharmaceutical drugs and devices.

• SB 1019, sponsored by Senator Sandy Crawford and Representative Jim Kalberloh, modifies several provisions relating to health care.

• SB 1233, sponsored by Senator Curtis Trent and Representative Mike McGirl, modifies provisions relating to activities requiring licensure.

For more information on the legislation signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing are available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page. 

Source: US State of Missouri

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill (HB) 3231 into law, a priority piece of legislation impacting economic development efforts across the State of Missouri.  

“Missouri is open for business, growth, and opportunity,” said Governor Kehoe. “The passage of House Bill 3231 was critical in our efforts to continue revitalizing Missouri’s main streets, central business districts, and downtowns. I want to thank the members of the General Assembly for supporting these economic development programs that lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity in communities across our state.” 

HB 3231, sponsored by Representative Brad Christ and Senator Kurtis Gregory, establishes the “Missouri Innovation, Public Safety and Accountability Act” and modifies provisions relating to financial incentives for economic development.

• Creates a new incentive within the Missouri Works program to encourage new capital investment over $50 million.

• Expands the tools available to encourage development in urban and rural communities by reauthorizing the Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA) and creating the Missouri Innovation Zone program to encourage investment in downtowns, central business districts, and main streets.

• Creates an angel investment tax credit to encourage investments in Missouri entrepreneurs and startup companies.

Governor Kehoe also signed:

• Senate Bill 916, sponsored by Senator Jamie Burger and Representative Cameron Parker, modifies provisions relating to sovereign immunity.

For more information on the legislation signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.

###

Source: US State of Missouri

Following hundreds of life-saving water rescues during historic flash flooding in south central Missouri, Governor Mike Kehoe praised the extraordinary efforts of local and state emergency responders and the Missouri National Guard. As much as 12 inches or more of rain fell within a matter of hours, beginning overnight in the areas of Crawford, Iron, Madison, Reynolds, and Wayne counties, resulting in a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event in some of these locations.

“Missouri’s first responders once again answered the call with extraordinary bravery, professionalism, and compassion, rescuing hundreds of Missourians from dangerous floodwaters,” said Governor Kehoe. “As recovery efforts continue and additional rain is expected, I urge everyone in flood-prone and low-lying areas to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways of receiving alerts, and be ready to take protective action.” 

Historic flash flooding prompted over 200 water rescues throughout the region, with first responders rescuing individuals from floodwaters, trees, rooftops, and stranded vehicles.  

Governor Kehoe activated the Missouri National Guard, which safely air evacuated 202 children and counselors stranded by floodwaters from Camp Taum Sauk in Lesterville. Eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters staffed by approximately 35 crewmembers flew the campers to the Aracadia Valley Elementary School, where they were safely met by first responders and reunited with their families. A video of the re-unification may be found here.

“This effort reflects the very best of our state emergency response teams,” Governor Kehoe said. “Countless men and women, across multiple jurisdictions, have been working around the clock with one mission in mind: saving lives. We are grateful for their service and will continue supporting communities as response and recovery efforts move forward.”

The Governor also activated Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1), the state’s Urban Search and Rescue team, to assist in the rescue efforts. MO-TF1, alone, participated in over 100 rescues and has increased its deployed presence to 78 personnel.

As the Black River continues to rise, it is forecast to crest at a record level of more than 28 feet near Annapolis. Currently, a woman from Crawford County is the only confirmed person who is unaccounted for. 

Evacuations of individuals who are stranded by high water but not endangered are continuing. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop G is the point of contact for any citizen who needs to report missing persons related to the flooding at 417-469-3121.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and state response agencies continue to monitor the ongoing severe weather system overnight in coordination with the National Weather Service. The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level 3 with SEMA operations, planning, and emergency human services staff, and emergency support partners from the Highway Patrol, MoDOT, Missouri National Guard, Missouri Division of Fire Safety, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Missouri Task Force 1 to assist with resource coordination and any requests for assistance.

Missourians, particularly those on or near rivers and streams, should stay aware of local forecasts, follow official warnings, and ensure they have multiple ways to receive alerts, including overnight, as weather conditions change rapidly. Never attempt to drive through floodwaters, even if the water appears shallow. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep a person off their feet, and as little as one foot of water can move most cars off the road. More than half of flood deaths in Missouri are victims in vehicles. Nighttime severe weather is particularly dangerous because visibility is severely reduced. If you find yourself stranded by floodwaters, immediately call for help and seek higher ground.   

Some roadways in the area are closed because of flooding or damage created by the flooding. Check the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Map before traveling.

Some Missouri State Parks and private campgrounds have closed because of the flooding. Before traveling, people can check the State Parks and Sites Status Map for the most up-to-date information.

###