Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that the federal government has approved his request for a major disaster declaration in response to multiple severe weather systems that generated tornadoes, high winds, and flooding across southern Missouri from May 19-27.
From July 22 - 26, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to the United Kingdom and Belgium for an international Trade Mission. The U.K. and Belgium are top sources of foreign direct investment and key trade partners for Missouri, with more than $307 million and $330 million in exports in 2023, respectively.
Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be lowered to half-staff at all government buildings in Jefferson County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Thursday, July 18, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Affton Fire Protection District Captain James Cova.
Today, Governor Mike Parson announced 12 appointments to various boards and commissions.
Senator Lauren Arthur, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission.
Governor Parson is a veteran who served six years in the U.S. Army. He served more than 22 years in law enforcement as the sheriff of Polk County. He also served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005-2011, in the Missouri Senate from 2011-2017, and as Lieutenant Governor in 2017-2018.
Governor Parson and First Lady Teresa live in Bolivar. Together they have two grown children and six grandchildren. He was raised on a farm in Hickory County and graduated from Wheatland High School in Wheatland, Missouri. He is a small business owner and a third generation farmer who currently owns and operates a cow and calf operation near their hometown of Bolivar. Governor Parson has a passion for sports, agriculture, Christ, and people.