Missouri has more than 50,000 state employees. These employees do everything from plow inches of snow off of frozen roads to vaccinating the elderly and children and even ensuring state government runs as it is supposed to.
There are 16 executive state agencies:
These agencies each contribute to the well-being of our state.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for the maintenance, development and weather clearing for Missouri’s 33,884 miles of roads and highways. The employees spend long, hard hours often during the worst scenarios, clearing the roads, repairing them and more all to ensure the safety and accessibility of Missouri citizens to the roads they depend on.
Department of Public Safety does more than one may think. It encompasses The Veteran’s Commission, Fire Safety, SEMA, Highway Patrol, Capitol Police, Fire Safety and Division of Alcohol and Tobacco. Professionals within this all-encompassing department put their lives on the line to ensure the public is safe. Some divisions, like the Veteran’s Commission work to make sure Missouri’s veterans use and know of all of the programs available to assist and thank them for their service. The Highway Patrol, firefighters and various law enforcement agencies truly have one of the hardest jobs. Corrections officers, mental health workers and others, who may not work under Public Safety still perform honorable jobs that help protect Missourians. These fearless men and women leave for work, never knowing if they will return home safely that day. They are asked to go into situations others are fleeing and for that I am grateful.
The Department of Social Services and Department of Health and Senior Services both have dedicated employees who spend their days working to ensure the safety and well-being of Missourians in their homes, care facilities and more. This department is tasked with handling abuse hotline calls, investigating and making determinations on each case that is developed. The work done by these men and women must be emotionally taxing. However, they are one of the best in the nation and I applaud their tireless work to making sure everyone is treated with fairness and lives a life free of mistreatment.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) works year round to ensure behind the scenes work is done to keep schools up to date on education standards, legislation and more. They eloquently work with administrators, school boards, parents, teachers, legislators and more to make sure policies are followed, implemented and that overall Missourians receive a top-quality education.
State employees largely perform their jobs with honor and pride. Their work is often behind the scenes, and they receive little credit. During Sate Employee Recognition Week (June 8-12) I want to thank each state employee for their service to our great state.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882. |
