Governor discusses rural issues, with local newspapers

<p>Democrat photo / David A. Wilson</p><p>In his office Dec. 6 at the Missouri State Capitol, Gov. Eric Greitens emphasized a point to a group of about 10 rural news reporters about the improvements his administration has made for Missourians.</p>

Democrat photo / David A. Wilson

In his office Dec. 6 at the Missouri State Capitol, Gov. Eric Greitens emphasized a point to a group of about 10 rural news reporters about the improvements his administration has made for Missourians.

Gov. Eric Greitens spoke about the work of his administration since he took office in January. Before about 10 rural news reporters Dec. 6, the governor discussed the effort to bring in more jobs, improve the schools, and improve the business environment.

Greitens said that when he took office, the state ranked 48th in the nation in economic growth.

"After six months in office, the state has risen to 41st," he said. "The reason is that we came in and kept our promises. We plan to do better."

Mentioning that, when he entered office, the state was legally the 49th worst to do business in, Greitens said that, in part, it was because of the number of new regulations - 46,000 in a short period of time.

One of his first steps was putting implementation of new regulations on hold and having a committee review them. He said it appears that it will be possible to cut thousands of those regulations and improve the ability of Missourians to do business and go about their lives.

A change in direction has been needed, Greitens said. He summed up his office is "working for us in rural Missouri."

"Now we have to raise our voices in Washington D.C. and get rid of regulations," he said.

Specifically mentioned was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "Waters of the U.S." rule, which extended the federal government control over small waterways. Before this was rolled back, many small farmers were concerned that rain puddles in the field would come under control of the federal government.

According to Greitens, the success of the administration's efforts are evident with the 2,400 new Missouri manufacturing jobs which were added in October.

Specifically, he spoke of Nucor, which has selected Sedalia to build a steel rebar micro-mill. This will be a $250 million capital investment and more than 250 new jobs.

He also mentioned speaking to Smith and Wesson about a new $55 million distribution facility in the state.

In relation to schools, Greitens was asked about his recent effort to seek a change in leadership of the state board of education. He said the question to be asked was "Are we getting results?" and the problem is that "we have not been getting the results."

He said that a look at Missouri schools shows that education in the state has been going the wrong way. According to Greitens, the state's education dropped nine places in national ranking in the last administration.

He wants to make sure the tax dollars are getting into the classroom. He stated that Missouri ranks just about in the middle, as far as funds which are put into education. But teachers get 9 percent of the funds and administrators 18 percent.

Starting salary for Missouri teachers ranks 48th nationally and administrators rank third. There is a need to raise teachers pay and put more funds into the schoolrooms.

The school Foundation Formula was fully funded this year for the first time in many years. In spite of that, many schools have dropped paying for ACT tests for juniors, something which is needed for those hopeful of going to college.

In answer to a question, Greitens said what is needed is a reorientation of the educational bureaucracy. The problem has been a failure to get results.

"What is needed is leadership at the top to design a system to show me the results," he said.

Greitens continued with his plans to make improvements for Missourians, with special attention paid to the state's large rural areas.

Other items on the agenda include:

Plans to connect every school to high-quality internet.

Providing broadband to homes and businesses in the rural areas along with the school connections.

Providing improved foster care for the 13,000 kids in the system.

Make Missouri the best state for veterans.

Providing safety for citizens, while making sure everyone has the right to free speech and protests, without violence and vandalism.