Missouri’s State of the State 

On January 24, 2024, Missouri Governor Mike Parson gave his final State of the State address. Parson became governor in 2018 in the wake of Eric Greitens’ resignation amidst various scandals and won reelection in 2020. Now Parson is ending his time in office, as he will retire at the end of his term in January 2025.  

The speech highlighted his administration’s achievements, plans for this year, and described the legacy he wants to leave behind. Parson focused much of his speech on economic achievements. He spotlighted the $600 million of state debt that his administration paid down, which reduced Missouri’s debt by 53%. He also underscored increasing state revenue, decreasing taxes, decreasing unemployment, and an increase in state GDP growth. Furthermore, Parson underlined that his administration has supported manufacturing in Missouri, and this year he will commit more money to semiconductor and critical mineral development.  

Another theme of Parson’s speech was his administration’s education achievements, particularly job-training programs and school choice measures. Parson discussed his work on the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. This program gives away tax credits to those who donate to organizations that give scholarships for families to fund alternative education (basically private schools). This program was considered a huge win for school choice advocates and a loss for public schools. Fiscal analysts predict that this program will reduce Missouri’s revenue by over $50 million in 2022, $55 million in 2023, and $60.5 million in 2024. He reaffirmed his commitment to the school choice movement, saying, “whether it be public, private, charter, or Christian… we don’t care where Missourians are getting a quality education just as long as they get one”. Parson also pointed to increased funding for Missouri’s higher education system and funding for programs for those without college degrees as well as his administration’s spending on K-12 education. 

Parson reaffirmed his commitment to the school choice movement saying, “whether it be public, private, charter, or Christian… we don’t care where Missourians are getting a quality education just as long as they get one.”

Parson also discussed how he wants to continue supporting and prioritizing education in Missouri. He promised to fully fund and provide an extra $120 million for the Missouri K-12 Foundation Formula (which is the formula that determines how much Missouri spends on K-12 education each year). He also pledged to fully fund school transportation in Missouri and increase funding for apprenticeship programs (which focus on teaching trades) in Missouri. Parson also stated that he is supporting new childcare tax credit programs and will work to expand pre-kindergarten programs in Missouri. 

Parson touched on several criminal justice issues including fentanyl, abortion, and clemency. He highlighted the rising number of fentanyl overdoses in Missouri, stating that he wants to work with Missouri legislators to increase punishments for those who expose minors to fentanyl. Parson also celebrated the overturn of Roe v. Wade, saying, “[w]hen I came to Jefferson City, nearly 8,000 elective abortions were performed annually in Missouri. As I stand before you today…I’m proud to report that number is ZERO”. He also emphasized that his administration cleared the 4,000 people clemency backlog they inherited. 

The governor stressed that his administration appointed over 155 Missouri judges, including three Supreme Court Justices. His administration has appointed more than 40% of Missouri’s judiciary, more than any other Missouri governor. Parson stated that he further made Missouri history by appointing people to five statewide offices. He stated that his “office put politics aside” for these appointments, but, notably, all these appointments were Republicans. Additionally, Parson mentioned the appointment of Gabe Gore to replace Kim Gardner as St. Louis Circuit Attorney. 

The governor stressed that his administration appointed over 155 Missouri judges including three Supreme Court Justices…more than any other Missouri Governor. 

Parson ended his speech with a thank you to state workers and those who served in his administration. He also emphasized that his work was done for the people of Missouri. “No one, and I mean no one, has gone to bat for the people of Missouri like this administration and you. AND today…WE…HAVE… WON…”.  

Interestingly, Parson did not mention any LGBTQIA issues, though last session Republicans often spoke out against drag shows, LGBTQIA books in school, and gender-affirming surgeries for minors. This exclusion could signal Missouri Republican’s desire to shift away from this issue area to focus on education and infrastructure in the coming election year.

Parson did not mention any LGBTQIA issues

This year’s Republican primary for governor will pit Parson’s handpicked lieutenant governor, Mike Kehoe, against current Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Most likely, one of them will become Missouri’s next governor. Parson’s political legacy remains unclear, but his 2024 State of the State highlights the issues he wants to be remembered for. 

Emily Woodruff ‘24 studies in the College of Arts & Sciences. She can be reached at ewoodruff@wustl.edu