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
"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:
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.
"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."
"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."