On Wednesday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson delivered his State of the State address.
Parson said in his speech that Missouri is stronger today and will continue to flesh out his administration's plans, saying "This Governor isn't done yet — we are not done yet."
Parson talked about the state's infrastructural achievements over the last year, and called on the legislature to focus on widening and rebuilding the I-70 corridor. The plan would invest $859 million, and would expand six lanes from St. Louis to Warrenton, Kansas City to Odessa, and extending east and west from Columbia.
"For years, congestion, traffic accidents, and delays have become serious issues for commuters on I-70. Not only are we concerned for motorist safety, these inefficiencies are costly to our state's economy," Parson said. "To those who say we can't afford it, I say we can't afford not to. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the time is now."
Parson also touched on education and workforce development, saying that the lack of child care is one of the biggest barriers to finding and keeping employees. Parson said the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit as well as other programs will help people get back to work. He also recommended a 7% increase in core funding to Missouri's public colleges and universities, which would be the largest increase in 25 years.
When Parson talked about physical and mental health care, he discussed the fact that Missouri is currently ranked 44th in the nation for maternal mortality, and asked the general assembly to put $4.3 million toward the Department of Health and Senior Services to help curb the rate. He called it "embarrassing and absolutely unacceptable" for the state to be failing in that area.
Parson topped off the address by vocalizing his support for Missouri law enforcement, and highlighted the Missouri Blue Scholarship which has awarded 147 people scholarships to attend law enforcement training programs in the state.
Listen to the Governor's full address:
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