Showing posts with label Missouri Governor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Missouri Governor. Show all posts

Matt Blunt signs Clean Water Legislation in Branson


Missouri Governor Matt Blunt signed clean water legislation in Branson yesterday. (Click to See Official Press Release)

Photo: Governor Matt Blunt in Branson Convention Center. Photo by Darin Codon

Missouri Capitol Moves To Branson Missouri Thursday

Branson Missouri will be Missouri's Capitol for a day Thurday, May 22nd.
Governor Matt Blunt will hold a press conference and meet with citizens from 1:00 to 2:30 at Branson City Hall.
From 1:30 to 2:30 Missouri Department Directors will be available for citizen inquiry.

Matt Blunt on 2008 Missouri Legislative Session (Video)


Governor Matt Blunt delivered this address on YouTube shortly after the legislative session ended.
Missouri Democrats took advantage of the media coverage during the last days of the session issuing a straight F Report Card dispatch the moment the Missouri Legislative session ended Friday.

Governor Blunt's Christmas Pardons (Details as distributed from Governor's Office)

Gov. Matt Blunt today announced his decision to pardon Alicia Allison-Brown, Jesse Barnes, James Birdwell, Sr., Craig Johnson, Robert Jordan and Carl Smart, who all were convicted of non-violent offenses years ago and have since become and remained law-abiding citizens.

“Ms. Allison-Brown, Mr. Barnes, Mr. Birdwell, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Jordan and Mr. Smart have paid for their mistakes,” said Gov. Blunt. “It is my hope and belief that they will continue to be productive citizens."

In 1990, at the age of 23, Alicia Allison-Brown was convicted of stealing. She was sentenced to four years probation and 120-day shock incarceration. Ms. Brown applied for pardon in 2005. Ms. Allison-Brown is married with one child. She is a member of FEMA Missouri Task Force I, serving as a Canine Search Specialist and trained in Tech Rescue.

In 1961, at the age of 24, Jesse Barnes was convicted of 2nd degree arson. He was sentenced to three years in prison and paroled after serving five months. He successfully completed his parole. Mr. Barnes applied for pardon in 2006. Mr. Barnes is a self-employed and professional painter. He has been married for 40 years and has three children as well as grandchildren.

In 1963, at the age of 20, James Birdwell, Sr., was convicted of malicious destruction of property. He received a one year suspended sentence and two years of probation. Mr. Birdwell applied for pardon in 2003. Mr. Birdwell has owned a small construction business for nine years and previously worked for the Kansas City Star for more than 10 years. He has been married for 45 years and has five children and 17 grandchildren.

In 1985, at the age of 19, Craig Johnson was convicted of the crime of stealing. He was sentenced to three years probation. Mr. Johnson applied for pardon in 2004. Mr. Johnson is a minister and chaplain in the U.S. Army where he has achieved the rank of Captain. He served in the first Gulf War where he received numerous decorations and awards.

In 1990, at the age of 21, Robert Jordan was convicted of the crime of stealing. He was sentenced to two years probation. Mr. Jordan applied for pardon in 2003. Mr. Jordan and his wife have three children and serve their community as Emergency Medical Technicians.

In 1980, at the age of 28, Carl Smart was convicted of 2nd degree arson and deceitful stealing. He was sentenced to five years probation, which he completed successfully. Mr. Smart applied for a pardon in 2004. Mr. Smart is a Navy veteran and has worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years. He is married with three children and one grandchild.

Missouri’s Probation and Parole Board unanimously recommended that a pardon be issued in all cases. Local law enforcement were not opposed to the six receiving a pardon. In addition each person receiving a pardon has support from their local community, including elected officials, religious leaders, community leaders or neighbors.

(This story is posted as it was issued from the Governor Blunt's Office)

Governor Matt Blunt to extend Internet Access to Rural Missourians

Governor Matt Blunt wants to wire rural Missouri. From the press release the governor's office released today:

"No Missourian should be left out of today's technology
based economy because of where they live," Blunt said. "Expanding
access to high-speed Internet in Missouri's rural communities is an
important step for economic development, agriculture and education. I
have created the Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task Force to help
ensure we are doing all we can to deliver current technology to the
doorstep of every Missourian who wants it as quickly as possible."

The governor's new Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task
Force is rooted in the fact that by combining the collective ideas of
both the government and representatives of private industry, the
technological needs of Missouri rural communities can be heard and
solutions can be reached. The governor will name members of the task
force to include:


Full Press Release Courtesy of Branson Agent

Missouri Governor Blunt wants Pete Herschend to continue with Board of Education


Missourian's can be proud Pete Herschend has agreed to continue serving on the board of education said Governor Matt Blunt at a Republic school this afternoon. From the press release:

Mr. Herschend, 72 of Branson, is co-founder of Herschend
Family Entertainment Corporation and served as President of the State
Board of Education. Mr. Herschend holds a bachelor's degree in
business administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia and
an honorary doctorate from Southwest Baptist University. He has served
on the Board of Education for the benefit of Missouri children since
1991 and has been an active participant in the governor's METS
initiative.

"Every year, Missouri is gaining ground in core content
areas, but progress is slow and we need to do better. It will take the
attention of all of us to stay focused on improving our standing in
education. While Missouri is exceeding the national average in
measured competencies, we must work together with our communities, our
politicians and our parents to ensure kids get solid starts, in
schools just like this one, with opportunities to continue that growth
with great encouragement, support and resources throughout their
educational years," said Peter Herschend.

Mr. Herschend has also served as President of the Missouri
Attractions Association, the Ozark Marketing Council, and the Missouri
Tourism Commission. He is a current member of the Board of Directors
of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, the Advisory Board for the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Board of Directors for
Camp Barnabas, among others.

Mr. Herschend's re-appointment is subject to Senate
confirmation for a term ending on July 1, 2015.


Photo Jack and Pete Herschend Co-founders of Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE Corp.)
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Governor's Full Press Release

Matt Blunts Student Safety Announcement From Branson

Blunt Safeguards Students' Safety

Announces Creation of Missouri Alert Network

BRANSON – Gov. Matt Blunt today announced a new tool to help secure safe learning environments for Missouri students and classrooms. At the first Missouri Conference on Coordinated School Safety and Security the governor announced the state is partnering with the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) to create the Missouri Alert Network.

“In order for our children to succeed in school we must provide them with a safe and secure learning environment,” Gov. Blunt said. “This innovative partnership between the state and the Missouri School Boards’ Association will allow state officials to make immediate contact with local school officials during an emergency who can then take all necessary action to protect our children and classrooms.”

“We are delighted to be able to provide this system to schools throughout Missouri,” said MSBA Executive Director Dr. Carter D. Ward. “A system such as this is a critical tool in our continuing effort to provide the safest possible environment for our students and staff.”

The Missouri Alert Network is a rapid notification system for K-12 schools and other entities, and would be activated in the event of a statewide emergency or other situation that might endanger the security of Missouri students. The network allows state officials to contact local schools within minutes of an emergency. The decision to activate the network is made by the Department of Public Safety.

There is no cost to school districts to join in the system for one contact and participation is open to all K-12 public and non-public schools in Missouri. Additionally, options will be available for law enforcement, other emergency responders, and higher education institutions to take part in the network.

Gov. Blunt recently unveiled recommendations from his Campus Security Task Force created in the wake of the tragic events at Virginia Tech. The task force recommended increased communication among local and university law enforcement; university and college faculty, staff and students; and state and federal partners who could assist in the event of an emergency. The report also recognizes mental health as a key function of any emergency operations plan and the need for more widespread education about the mental health needs of responders and victims.

In addition, the governor introduced a new approach to homeland security in Missouri that for the first time officially includes the education community. He added education representatives to the Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committees and called on educators to get involved in school safety planning. The governor also took part in “Enhancing School Safety: A Dialog on Targeted School Violence.” The Internet based program provided a forum for the state, schools, parents and law enforcement to discuss the issue of school safety and goals for keeping our schools and children safe.

Since taking office Blunt has secured more than half a billion dollars in new funding for Missouri students and classrooms. The funding helps ensure schools have the resources they need to provide a world class education.

Missouri's New Property Rights Czar

Late Thursday, Governor Matt Blunt issued a press release regarding the creation of a new position to protect Missouri citizens from eminent domain ordinances. He labeled the new position "Property Czar" and assigned Paul Anthony Martin to the position. The press release quotes Martin:
"The more information we can provide Missourians the better prepared they will be to stand up for their property ownership rights and protect themselves from eminent domain abuse," said Mr. Martin. "Eminent domain abuse thrives in the shadows of misinformation and lack of knowledge. In this position, I will provide information to Missourians about their property rights, cast light on unscrupulous abusers and ensure property owners have a thorough understanding of the schemes and tactics that abusers use to hurt people."

Missouri Political News Service released his salary $60,000 and phone number 573-751-4857.

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Matt Blunt - Pushes Special Session Agenda Through Missouri House Brings Sunshine to Missouri Supreme Court Judicial Selection Process

As predicted, Matt Blunt successfully pushed his economic development agenda and bridge repair plan through the Missouri House of Representatives.
Though Blunt has received much criticism for challenging the Missouri Plan for electing Supreme Court judges, editorial boards around the state are going to have trouble criticizing Blunt for putting the public where his mouth is on the Sunshine Law. Blunt released interview responses for the Missouri Supreme Court candidates today for the public to review.

Matt Blunt - Bridges , Economic Development and Predators

The Governor's bridge repair and economic stimulus agenda passed without controversy through committee today and is expected to pass through the House to the Missouri Senate by Thursday.
In a discussion with a reporter for ABC several months ago I was asked, "What more can we do to these people." He was talking about sexual predators and Governor Matt Blunt seems to have found the answer and made a statement today in favor of adding Internet data to the offender database:
In a press release sent by Governor Blunt's office said,
"We must continue to fight to keep our children safe from sexual predators," Gov. Blunt said. "I am committed to combating devious criminals who use the Internet to attack Missouri's children and will again support tough legislation to stop sexual predators and create harsher punishments for those who commit horrific acts against our young children. I applaud Rep. Tom Dempsey for offering this important legislation to help in the fight against sex offenders."

The logo above is a character created at Brigham Young University (the only school that beat CofO in Princeton's list of most "sober" colleges). Faux Pax joins with McGruff, the dog who invited children to take a bite out of crime in the 1980's in a cartoon series about Internet safety.
Matt and his wife Malanie were in Kansas City today promoting Faux Pax the Techno Cat and the state's campaign for children's safety on-line.

Full Releases
First Family and Faux Pax the Techno Cat promote Internet safety

Blunt wants e-mail addresses of sexual offenders