Mike Parson in 2022 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Near completion on work on 75% of state's bridges
We are incredibly proud of the progress that has been made thanks to Focus on Bridges. This program set out to repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. We are now nearing completion of 75% of those bridges, and this program's success has allowed
us to leverage hundreds of millions of dollars in additional infrastructure investments in every region of the state. We are proposing $75 million dollars to continue our Transportation Cost-Share program for road and bridge projects.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
On Crime:
In Missouri, we DEFEND law enforcement, not defund them
Missourians respect law and order, but as a former Sheriff it alarms me to see some of the attitudes toward those who have taken an oath to defend our communities and keep us safe.We must work to strengthen our communities by supporting our men and
women in law enforcement. AND learn from the failed policies in other cities and states to never allow anti-law enforcement measures to take hold in this state. In Missouri, we DEFEND law enforcement, not defund them.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
On Education:
Raise teacher pay in every corner of this state
Unfortunately, Missouri is currently ranked 50th in United States for starting teacher pay and half of our new teachers leave the profession by their fifth year. This is unacceptable, and we must do better. That is why we are proposing to raise teacher
pay in every corner of this state. By partnering with local school districts, we can increase the baseline salary for new teachers to $38,000 dollars... and take the first step in addressing this issue.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
On Gun Control:
Fight violent crime but protect Second Amendment rights
This year, we must take a renewed look at public safety and how best to fight violent crime. We must continue to support our law enforcement professionals who put their lives on the line to protect our families.
We can do this by ensuring consistent requirements and appropriate penalties to hold violent criminals accountable. While also protecting Missourian's second amendment rights, just as our administration has always done.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
On Health Care:
COVID: I don't support mandates; my position WILL NOT CHANGE
When it comes to COVID-19 mandates, I firmly believe that the people should have say through their local elected representatives and not be dictated by needless executive action or any one person.
That's why I don't support and have never supported mandates and Missourians can rest assured that my position WILL NOT CHANGE.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
On Jobs:
Cutting off federal unemployment benefits the right call
And when we had an all time high of 385,000 individuals on unemployment, we knew we had to take action and solve this problem.
Missouri was one of the first in the nation to cutoff federal unemployment benefits.and today, only 21,000 are drawing benefits. This was the right call and the right thing to do.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
On Principles & Values:
Missouri is the best state in the United States
This past year we celebrated the bicentennial of our state and 150 years of the Missouri Governor's Mansion. I am honored to have served as Missouri's Governor during this remarkable milestone for our state. The First Lady and I count ourselves blessed
to have experienced the history, tradition, and heart and soul of what makes Missouri great. Faith, family, neighbors helping neighbors... that's who Missourians are. AND that's what makes Missouri the best state in the United States.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
On Tax Reform:
Second tax cut: new low rate of 5.3%
You will be happy to hear that thanks to record economic performance. Missourians will receive an additional tax cut this year. The tax rate will be reduced to a new low of 5.3 percent, easing
Missourians' tax burden yet again. Thanks to common sense, responsible spending, and working with the General Assembly, this will be the second time our administration has cut taxes for Missourians.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Missouri legislature
Jan 19, 2022
Page last updated: Apr 04, 2022