Governor Mike Kehoe delivers first State of the State address

Public safety, tax reform and education among key issues discussed during speech

Before a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly, Gov. Mike Kehoe laid out his legislative agenda and presented his budget priorities for the year ahead during his first State of the State address. As lawmakers, state officials and others listened, the governor pledged to make public safety a central focus of his administration.

"Any efforts we may make to improve the lives of Missourians — whether it be education opportunities, cutting taxes or expanding child care — none of it matters if Missourians aren’t safe," said Gov. Kehoe. "Securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety."

Governor Mike Kehoe serves as Missouri's 58th governor. Photo courtesy of the governor's office.

In addition to increased funding for law enforcement, he urged lawmakers to take action and pass a comprehensive crime bill designed to increase penalties for violent rioting and fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle, crack down on criminals participating in reckless stunt driving and street racing, increase oversight and accountability of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and more.

"The current status quo in St. Louis is unacceptable," said Gov. Kehoe. "As the economic powerhouse of our state, we cannot continue to let crime kill growth in the region and drive businesses and families to move outside of our state's borders."

The governor's speech also called on lawmakers to take the steps necessary to address the use of fentanyl in the state. He encouraged the General Assembly to support legislation raising the penalties for fentanyl trafficking. Through his proposed budget, he asked lawmakers to provide additional funding to increase fentanyl testing in schools.

While the governor admitted that public safety was his top priority, he pushed lawmakers to do more when it comes to improving the economy and making Missouri a more attractive place in the eyes of businesses and job creators, including cutting government regulations and eliminating the state's income tax. During his speech, the governor announced he has directed the state's Department of Revenue to create a sustainable plan to eliminate the tax through a series of cuts over time.

"Missourians can spend their money a whole lot better than the government, and I hope you will work with me to help Missouri families secure a better future for themselves… a future with no income taxes," stated Gov. Kehoe.

Currently, the state's top income tax rate sits at 4.7%. The rate is set to decrease down to 4.5% if certain growth triggers are met over time.

Governor Mike Kehoe delivers his first State of the State address before a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly. Photo courtesy of the governor's office.

Finally, the governor called on the General Assembly to do more to ensure children have access to a quality education. He urged lawmakers to expand school choice and allow open enrollment in public schools. His budget proposal increases education funding for the state's Foundation Formula by $200 million. To help retain quality teachers in the classroom, the governor's proposed budget includes more than $30 million to fund teacher salaries.

"Strengthening public education, expanding school choice and empowering parents is critical to ensuring that every single student has the opportunity to get a world class education," said Gov. Kehoe.

The governor's proposed state operating budget is now in the hands of lawmakers as it begins moving through the legislative process. The 2025 legislative session will end on Friday, May 16.