Mike Kehoe

Missouri's State Board of Education includes an advisory position for "an active classroom teacher," but it's remained unfilled since 2018. Gov. Mike Kehoe selected Park Hill High School math teacher Michael McDonald for the role.

The governor spoke at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce "State of the State" at Great Southern Bank Arena.

In January, Gov. Mike Kehoe called for a phase-out of the state's income tax and an expansion of sales and use taxes, which he wants voters to approve. That vote is Tuesday.

Among the legislation the governor signed is a wide-reaching public health bill that expands access to birth control and requires the state to track cases of Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome.

The governor also signed into law on Thursday harsher penalties for drunk driving and age verification requirements for pornography website access.

Missouri faced a tight budget this session after years of record spending. Kehoe issued 65 vetoes, totaling over $30 million in general revenue.

Academics, business leaders and government officials spent the day making the case for and trying to build excitement for data centers coming to Missouri.

Preis will lead the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which oversees about 500 public school districts and charter school systems in the state.

The initiative was originally expected to roll out in October. Missouri DSS said the extended timeline will give the state more time to work with local grocers, agricultural partners and community stakeholders before the program begins.

The Department of Social Services submitted its request to postpone, along with a "revision of definitions," to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on June 3