93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
(MissouriNet) Governor Mike Parson delivered Wednesday his State of the State Address to the Missouri Legislature. He showcased many themes that are the focus of his administration.
“My call this legislative session is to propose initiatives aimed at building stronger communities, improving education and workforce development, revitalizing our infrastructure, and making government more accountable,” said Parson.
The governor rolled out his $30 billion budget proposal that includes a two-percent pay raise for most state workers beginning next January. MoDOT and Conservation are not included in the pay increase because those departments work under a different pay boost system. Parson’s proposed raise builds upon his state worker pay increase push for the current budget year.
“An effort like that does not happen if you don’t have bold leaders who are dedicated to making state government better,” said Parson.
Under the plan, 325 full time equivalent state worker vacancies would be eliminated. No layoffs are included.
The governor also addressed the state’s growing violent crime problem, reaffirming his support for gun rights.
He called on lawmakers to increase mental health resources, toughen laws against violent crime and ramp up witness protection to address violence in the state’s biggest cities. St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield all have seen spikes in gun crimes and homicides in recent years.
Democrats have called for more restrictions on gun ownership and greater flexibility for cities to impose their own gun rules.
Listen to the full speech here:
(This story was last updated at 4:45 a.m. Thursday.)
