Governor Mike Parson delivered his State of the State address on Wednesday, where he announced several key investments to his governmental priorities.

Among his priorities are significant investments in state employee wages, a recommendation he recognized last year.

"The success of our state relies heavily on these public servants," Governor Parson said, "and we must ensure we are able to recruit and retain quality team members to serve Missouri, and that is why we are proposing an immediate 5.5% cost of living adjustment for all state employees."

He also noted discrepancies in other job markets, particularly education, where Governor Parson said Missouri ranks fiftieth in the nation for starting teacher salaries. As such, he called for wage increases for educators.

Still, he also touted Missouri's latest unemployment numbers, which are better than before the pandemic.

"Our small towns, big cities, or anywhere in between, Missouri is open for business, and business is good," Governor Parson said, to applause.

He also restated his commitment against vaccine mandates.

"When you look to some of the policies and mandates in other states and places, you find that common sense may not be so common," said Parson. "That’s why we never had state mandates or forced businesses, schools, or churches to close. We protected lives and livelihoods. And when it comes to COVID-19 mandates, I firmly believe that the people should have a say through their local elected representatives and not be dictated by needless executive action or any one person. That’s why I don’t support and have never supported mandates and Missourians can rest assured that my position will not change."

Governor Parson unveiled hundreds of millions of dollars in investments toward infrastructure, healthcare, and workforce development, among other projects.

"While I do not agree with the massive expansion of the federal debt, the responsibility falls to us to invest wisely and make smart decisions," he said. "We must do what the federal government cannot."

In the state budget, Governor Parson announced he will invest more than $400 million in infrastructure and broadband expansion, including $100 million in rural road development alone.

Some of the investments will go toward developments Governor Parson has highlighted in recent months, including a 9-8-8 emergency mental health hotline, broadband accessibility, and the Rock Island Corridor.

"More and more people are getting out and experiencing Missouri’s great outdoors, and this year, we have an opportunity to solidify this state asset and economic driver and expand tourism," said Parson. "By investing $69 million to start construction on the Rock Island Trail. We can help establish the largest circular rail-to-trail network in the United States and a world-class, one-of-a-kind destination for travelers coming to Missouri, while also supporting businesses and creating jobs."

"It is critical that we continue making these important investments," Governor Parson said.

He also announced a tax cut for Missourians, the second his administration has brought, to what he called a "new low" of 5.3%. Republicans gave a standing ovation to the announcement, though Democrats did not.

In a press conference after the address, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, as well as other Democrats, voiced opposition to several facets of the governor's speech. In particular, Rep. Quade highlighted the absence of Medicaid expansion from the governor's address, as well as what she called a lack of action in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The governor's hands-off approach continues to loft a hefty toll," she said.