“Tradition and Progress.” Those words represent the community of Farmington, Missouri. On June 1, 2018, Mike Parson was sworn in as the 57th governor of Missouri. Since then, he has made it his mission to serve the state of Missouri by encouraging hard work, dedication, and efficiency.
According to Parson, one of his proudest accomplishments during his tenure has been workforce development. He has worked to support Missourians who seek to increase their career opportunities, salary, and skills.
Over the past few years, Missouri has changed significantly. Parson mentioned a flooding crisis that plagued Missourians in early November. Severe weather and rainfall caused homes, facilities, and ecosystems to deteriorate. With this in mind, Parson took action and signed “Executive Order 24-14.” The order was set to expire on Dec. 5, 2024.
“This action enables the state to be better prepared and ready to assist our communities with response and recovery, ” Parson stated. “We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers, use extra caution on the roads, and never drive into floodwaters.”
Addressing the needs of rural communities within Missouri is a top priority for Parson during the rest of his tenure. In several ways, Parson has worked to uplift these communities and create additional opportunities and resources for them such as access to affordable healthcare.
“When you look at TeleMedicine and TeleHealth, it is difficult for rural Missourians to have access to it,” explained Parson. “If you live in a small community, let’s just face it, there aren’t a lot of medical professionals or medical facilities. With TeleHealth, no matter how small your community is, you now have access to technology that can assist you with your healthcare.”
In addition to affordable healthcare, Parson strongly believes that education plays a vital role in the future of Missouri. During his tenure, he has taken several steps to improve it.
“If you want to change society, the one thing, no matter where you live, it starts with a child,” said Parson. “If you do not have an education, you’re not going to get a quality job. I think it is important to ensure that everyone has access to a quality education, starting with early childhood learning.”
Parson acknowledges and respects the hard work of Missourians every day. He feels that hardworking Missourians are the heart of the state.
Jon Cozean, a resident of Farmington, Missouri, and the owner and operator of the Cozean Memorial Home, recently celebrated the 160th anniversary of the Cozean Memorial Chapel. At this ceremony, Governor Mike Parson delivered a heartfelt tribute to Cozean, highlighting his beneficial contributions to the community and impactful legacy.
“The celebration of the Cozean Memorial Chapel truly signifies the hard work and dedication of small communities, families, and the history of this great country,” Parson stated.
Parson recently published an autobiography titled “No Turnin’ Back.” The book dives into the details of his early life, education, and tenure. After he leaves office in January, Parson plans to spend more time with his “lovely” family and continue to support the state of Missouri in any way he can.
“On Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Missouri State Capitol, Mike Kehoe will be sworn in as the 58th Governor of the State of Missouri,” stated the Office of the Governor-Elect. “The Inaugural Ball will be held on the evening of January 13 at the Missouri State Capitol. On the morning of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Governor Kehoe will host the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.”
All proceeds from the sales of the autobiography will be donated to the Missouri Moving Forward Foundation which supports the Missouri Jobs for America’s Graduates program, children with disabilities, and several other programs that benefit the youth of Missouri.
More information regarding Parson’s autobiography can be found at https://governor.mo.gov/press-releases/archive/governor-parsons-book-no-turnin-back-now-available.
