Grandview Archives - Missourinet

Missouri lawmaker who battled COVID-19 described as a “trifecta guy”; receives bipartisan standing ovation

May 18, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

A veteran Missouri lawmaker who has recovered from the coronavirus received a bipartisan standing ovation from the House on Friday in Jefferson City. His colleagues praise his courage, work ethic and his dedication.

State Rep. Joe Runions, D-Grandview, stands on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City on May 11, 2020 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

State Rep. Joe Runions, D-Grandview, is in his eighth and final year in the Missouri House, due to term limits. After battling COVID-19, being hospitalized and then recovering at home, Runions returned to the Statehouse last week.

State Rep. Rory Rowland, D-Independence, describes Runions as a voice of reason, who looks out for his community.

“Every time I’ve had a conversation with him, he always asks the question ‘how will this impact Grandview?’ That truly is the essence of a public servant,” Rowland tells colleagues.

Representative Runions was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March, and was hospitalized at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kansas City. He spent part of that time on a ventilator.

Rowland says the 79-year-old Runions is stable, dependable and knowledgeable. Rowland describes him as a “trifecta guy.”

“Do I like them, do I trust them and do I admire them? The gentleman from Jackson, Representative Runions, is a trifecta guy in my book,” says Rowland.

Rowland says Runions didn’t speak on the House floor often, but that when he did, “this body listened.”

While hospitalized in March at St. Joseph’s, Runions and Governor Mike Parson (R) spoke on the phone. Runions urged Governor Parson to do everything in his power to prevent Missouri hospitals from becoming overwhelmed during the pandemic.

Runions told the governor that his doctors at St. Joseph Hospital asked him to seek the governor’s assistance on personal protective equipment (PPE), because they were worried they would run out of vital supplies.

Runions, who was elected to the House in 2012, is the ranking Democrat on the Missouri House Transportation Committee. He’s also the top Democrat on the Local Government Committee.

Parson: COVID-19 is not a political issue; Governor talks to legislative leaders in both parties

March 22, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s governor is emphasizing that the coronavirus is not a political issue. Governor Mike Parson made his comments to Capitol reporters in Jefferson City on Friday afternoon, after he spoke on the phone to legislative leaders from both parties.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson addresses Capitol reporters in Jefferson City, after he declared a state of emergency in Missouri for coronavirus (March 13, 2020 file photo courtesy of the Governor’s office)

“And I hope people do not try to make it a political issue,” Parson says. “This is about everyday Missourians, is what this is about. It’s about all of us should be working together.”

The governor says he urged lawmakers in both parties to come together and to put Missourians first.

“All sides agreed to do just that, and I believe everyone believes right now it is about the sake of Missourians, and the safety of the people of this state and the health care of the people of this state,” says Parson.

Governor Parson also spoke to veteran State Rep. Joe Runions, D-Grandview, on the phone on Sunday. The 79-year-old Runions has tested positive for the coronavirus, and remains hospitalized in Kansas City.

Representative Runions is asking the governor to do anything he can to expedite the availability of testing kits.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced Sunday night that there are now 106 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missouri.

Governor Parson has also announced that his daily press briefings will now be virtual-only, in accordance with his directive to avoid social gatherings of more than ten people.