former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens Archives

Missouri lawmakers to hear detailed report about tax credits, which now total $551 million

June 18, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

The state of Missouri issued more than $550 million in tax credits in fiscal year 2019.

Missouri House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, speaks on the House floor in Jefferson City on May 6, 2020 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Missouri budget writers will hear a detailed report about tax credits later this month. The House Budget Committee has scheduled a June 30 hearing at the Statehouse in Jefferson City, which is the committee’s annual tax credit review hearing.

Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, tells Missourinet that the state issued $551.79 million in tax credits in fiscal year 2019. Chairman Smith notes fiscal year 2020 is still to be determined.

The tax credit issue has been a controversial one at times, during recent years in Jefferson City.

Tax credit supporters say they create jobs and are crucial to landing projects across the state, including many rural areas that need good-paying jobs.

Opponents of tax credits say they reduce funding for other parts of Missouri’s approximately $30 billion state operating budget, and sometimes go to well-connected developers. Former Governor Eric Greitens (R) was a critic of tax credits.

The June 30 hearing will take place in the Missouri House chamber.

2020 to be Parson’s last run for office

February 25, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

Gov. Mike Parson says this year will be the last time he runs for office. Today is the first day of filing for candidates running in the August primary election. Parson spoke with reporters today at the Secretary of State’s office in Jefferson City.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson (center) waves at his address to a joint session of the Legislature on June 11, 2018. House Speaker Todd Richardson (left) and Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard (right) applaud (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

“Yeah, I don’t see that in my future. I don’t see that in my future,” says Parson with First Lady Teresa Parson near him. “I’ve been very blessed to have the career I’ve had. I think we’re on the right track. I’ve been around long enough to say ‘Never say never. But I’d say the first lady might say never, if she was here.”

Parson was elected as lieutenant governor in 2016 before becoming the head of state in June 2018. He took over as governor after former Gov. Eric Greitens, a fellow Republican, resigned in response to a trail of allegations.

State Representative Jim Neely, R-Cameron, and State Auditor Nicole Galloway, a Democrat, also filed today to run for governor.

KFVS: Juden says upcoming Missouri state audit is a targeted attack on his reputation

July 19, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Former Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Drew Juden says the state auditor’s office will be releasing an audit soon about the DPS director’s office.

Former Missouri DPS Director Drew Juden (file photo courtesy of DPS)

In an exclusive interview with Missourinet Cape Girardeau television partner KFVS, Juden describes the audit as a targeted attack on his reputation.

KFVS also spoke exclusively to former Governor Eric Greitens, who defended Juden during an on-camera interview, calling him “one of the best people I know.”

In November, Missouri Governor Mike Parson (R) requested that State Auditor Nicole Galloway (D) audit the DPS director’s office. Parson appointed former Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Sandy Karsten as DPS Director last August. After she was appointed, Karsten requested that the Office of Administration (OA) conduct an initial review of the DPS director’s office.

“Our initial review raised concerns that warranted a more in-depth examination of past public safety administration practices,” Karsten said in a November news release. “The previous state audit of the DPS Director’s office was completed nearly five years ago. A state audit is the appropriate next step to ensure the DPS Director’s office is fulfilling its obligations to the people of Missouri.”

DPS includes the Highway Patrol, the Missouri National Guard, Capitol Police, the Missouri Veterans Commission, the Missouri Gaming Commission and the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Juden provided KFVS with two draft audits from Auditor Galloway’s office.

You can find the entire KFVS report and interviews with Juden and former Governor Greitens here.