*Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

August 28, 2019

*Historic Statewide Reorganization Takes Effect, Signals Major Milestone in Governor Parsons Plan to Improve State Government*

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO)* Today marks the official restructuring of four state agencies, signaling a major milestone in Governor Mike Parsons plan to improve state government.

Initially announced through a series of Executive Orders issued by Governor Parson in January, the changes represent the most significant reorganization of state government in decades.

During my State of the State Address in January, I committed to the General Assembly that our administration would fundamentally restructure state government. We are pleased to say today that we have accomplished that goal, *Governor Parson *said. To move our state in the right direction, we had to roll up our sleeves and get to work, and thats what this day represents. Today, we celebrate this historic moment for our state, our government, and most importantly, our citizens.

The reorganization moved several divisions from the* Department of Economic Development*to other state agencies in an effort to create a more focused economic development strategy and be more competitive with neighboring states:


* The *Division of Workforce Development *and the* Missouri Economic Research and Information Center* moved to the newly named* Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development *(formerly the Department of Higher Education) to establish a single state resource for all postsecondary education options.
* The *Division of Energy* moved to the *Department of Natural Resources*.
* The *Office of Public Counsel (OPC)* and the *Public Service Commission (PSC)* moved to the newly named *Department of Commerce and Insurance* (formerly the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration).
* The *Missouri Arts Council* moved to the *Office of the Lieutenant Governor*.

By better aligning certain functions of state government, these changes will streamline operations, increase efficiency, and improve customer service to all Missourians.

Its been more than a decade since we evaluated our economic development strategy, and it was time we took a hard look at how we could provide better solutions in our state, *Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon* said, noting that the Departments year-long strategy assessment led to a complete overhaul and new pathway for growth in rural and urban areas.

This change gives Missourians a resource for the full range of postsecondary options from apprenticeships to certificates to doctoral programs, *Commissioner of Higher Education and Workforce Development Zora Mulligan *said. This is consistent with national trends toward recognizing the value of shorter-term, lower-cost programs, and through this bold move, Governor Parson will be positioning Missouri as a thought leader in this area.

Returning the Division of Energy to the Department of Natural Resources provides multiple benefits to Missouri businesses, communities, and citizens,* Department of Natural Resources Director Carol Comer* said. The move improves our ability to balance a healthy environment with a healthy economy and allows us to provide a more complete package of services to Missouri communities and residents.

Moving the PSC and OPC to the Department of Commerce and Insurance made good strategic sense, *Department of Commerce and Insurance Director Chlora Lindley-Myers* said. We have similar missions and fully understand the regulatory environment. Were very pleased to welcome our new colleagues to the department.

I appreciate Governor Parsons leadership in ensuring the Department of Economic Development is effectively organized to focus on growing Missouris economy, adding employers, and maintaining a top-notch workforce, *Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe* said. I am thrilled to have the Missouri Arts Council as part of the Lieutenant Governors Office. The arts, in all varieties, are important to Missourians, and I look forward to actively promoting their significance throughout the state.

In addition to Governor Parsons Executive Orders, *SB 68* also took effect today.Governor Parson signed the bill into law in July, which includes four key pieces of workforce and economic development legislation designed to meet employer needs and help Missouri compete for major business expansions across the state.

To view the Executive Orders, click here [ [link removed] ].

###


* DHEWD Event.JPG [ [link removed] ]
* DNR Event.JPG [ [link removed] ]
* DCI Event.JPG [ [link removed] ]
* DED Event.JPG [ [link removed] ]
________________________________________________________________________

*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work: 573-751-0765

Email:[email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


Follow us on Twitter [ [link removed] ] Visit us on Twitter [ [link removed] ]
Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]



________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson PO Box 720 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]