Missouri House Veterans Committee chair Rep. Dave Griffith (R-Jefferson City) is championing bipartisan veteran suicide prevention legislation again this session. The committee voted 8-0 this week to approve Chairman Griffith’s bill that tasks the Missouri Veterans Commission with expanding their efforts to prevent veteran suicide. The Jefferson City-based non-partisan MOST Policy Initiative testifies that risk of suicide is higher among veterans than the general population, and that Missouri has the nation’s 8th-highest veteran suicide rate. Chairman Griffith joined us live this morning on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri.” He tells listeners that he’s spoken to Governor Mike Parson (R) about the bill and that the governor, a veteran, understands its importance. Griffith hopes Governor Parson mentions veterans suicide and his bipartisan bill during next week’s State of the State address:
Jefferson City’s Truman Building is backdrop for today’s state employee pay raise bill-signing
Jefferson City’s approximately 14,000 state employees will soon see an increase in their pay.
Governor Mike Parson (R) will sign the bipartisan 8.7 percent pay raise for state employees into law today at 2 at Jefferson City’s Truman building. State employees are invited to attend the ceremony on the second floor atrium. Thousands of state employees work in that building.
Governor Parson says there are currently more than 7,000 open positions across state government, adding that the wage increase is the minimum that lawmakers must do.
The governor will also hold a ceremonial bill-signing tomorrow at 11:45 at the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center (FRDC).
Governor Parson called for lawmakers to approve the plan during his January State of the State address. The governor has told 939 the Eagle that he’s “not asking for the moon,” adding that it’s critical to retain good state employees in areas like corrections, mental health and in the Children’s Division, which is part of the state Department of Social Services (DSS).
Missouri state employees would receive almost nine percent pay increase, under Parson plan
Missouri’s governor is calling on state lawmakers to approve an 8.7 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all state employees.
GOP Governor Mike Parson has unveiled a $151-million supplemental budget request for the pay raise proposal. He says there are currently about 7,000 open positions in state government, and that this is an attempt by state government to stay competitive with the market. The governor wants the Legislature to approve the increase by March 1, so it’s included on state employees’ paychecks by March 31.
The governor is also calling for a $2 dollar per hour shift differential to state employees who work in congregate care facilities like state veterans homes and prisons.
More than 14,000 state employees work in Cole County, making state government Jefferson City’s largest employer. The 8.7 percent increase would be in addition to the 7.5 percent pay raise Governor Parson pushed for and signed into law last year.
Governor Parson hinted at the pay increase during a live interview on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” last Thursday on-location at the Governor’s prayer breakfast in Jefferson City. He told listeners that state employees would be pleased with his proposed budget.
Governor Parson is expected to emphasize the pay raise plan during his January 18 State of the State Address before a joint session of the Legislature in Jefferson City.
Missouri House committee to hear bill on internet provider grant funding
A key state lawmaker wants internet companies applying for state grants to show where they currently provide internet service in the Show-Me State. Governor Mike Parson unveiled a $400-million proposal to increase broadband during his January State of the State address. Parson’s plan also includes $30-million to build and upgrade cell towers. House Special Committee …
Ethanol and other agricultural tax credits being pushed by Missouri’s governor
Missouri’s governor is calling on state lawmakers to approve key agricultural tax credits, noting agriculture is the state’s top industry. Governor Mike Parson emphasized the issue during his recent State of the State Address in Jefferson City. “For Missouri agriculture to remain strong, we must prioritize the extension of critical agricultural tax credits that support …