Part 3

injury or death. Previous law made a second conviction only a class B felony. The new law Governor Blunt signed makes the second offense a class A felony, punishable by ten years to life in prison. Now, prosecutors have a powerful tool to place violent offenders where they can no longer harm the innocent. This legislation also protects confidentiality, by creating the Address Confidentiality Program in the Secretary of State’s office. This allows the Secretary of State to remove victims’ names from state and local public records. It will help keep women safe by making it more difficult for abusers to find home or work addresses. The new law also made it easier for domestic violence and sexual abuse shelters to help women and children. It requires confidentiality agreements with all employees and volunteers at rape crisis centers. Anyone working at a rape crisis center must pledge to keep secret any information they learn about the identity of victims. More importantly, it declares employees and volunteers incompetent to testify in court about confidential information unless the victim waives the right to confidentiality. Because of these changes, women and children in Missouri know that rape crisis centers will remain islands of security in which they are safe from their attackers. Finally, the new law protects children by making it easier to sue for psychological injuries caused by sexual exploitation. Current law requires victims of sexual exploitation to prove physical manifestations of psychological injuries. This bill does away with that requirement, by setting the policy of the state of Missouri that sexual exploitation always inflicts psychological injury.

Streamlining Homeland Security A safe and secure Missouri is a basic building block for our state’s future. Governor Blunt was committed to revamping Missouri’s Homeland Security operations. One of his first actions in office was to combine basic Homeland Security public safety operations. This change was borne out of Governor Blunt’s belief that homeland security efforts improve public safety and traditional law enforcement work can prevent a homeland security incident. This new organization created a more seamless operation for public safety and raised the importance of homeland security as a priority across the department. Under the Blunt administration, Missouri’s Homeland Security program has been re-energized to a true focus on the “homeland” aspects of citizen safety and security. Missouri now has Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committees, which provide local, specific counsel to the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory Council. The

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state also is in partnership with the Missouri School Board Association to create an alert network for schools both public and private to share information in an emergency. The Office of Homeland Security is also working with public and private schools on an Emergency Resource Information Plan. Local first responders have contributed to the planning process, visibility on school emergency plan changes and the ability to access the emergency response plan instantly through secure Internet access, as an emergency unfolds. In 2008, the Department of Public Safety launched the Internet portal MERIS, which stands for the Missouri Emergency Resource Information System. MERIS’s capabilities include incident management, resource tracking, communications, asset request processing and other capabilities. MERIS serves as a statewide resource for disaster and security planning and response.

21st Century Communication for First Responders When Governor Blunt took office, Missouri’s Highway Patrol officers were communicating on the same type of equipment they used in the 1950s. The technology to operate the systems was so antiquated that replacement parts were becoming unavailable – Missouri law enforcement officials sometimes went to salvage yards to locate replacement parts that could be used. Looking to the future, Governor Blunt joined with Missouri’s state law enforcement, local law enforcement and first responders to champion state-of-the-art communications to take Missouri into the future. In 2008, $29.4 million was approved for a new communications interoperability system. The new system will create a statewide communications infrastructure in the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This network will allow local law enforcement and emergency response personnel to link to the new “interoperable” system. It will help apprehend criminals, coordinate response to accidents and natural disasters. Those who keep Missourians safe know this state investment in modern communications will pay dividends long into the future.



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“Emergency response is a basic government function. Missourians deserve the reassurance of knowing that their state leaders are going to great lengths to prepare a quick and efficient response to any and all natural disasters.” -Governor Matt Blunt

Protecting Missouri from Disaster Emergency Preparedness

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atural disasters come to Missouri in many forms, including floods, droughts, tornadoes and ice storms. Governor Blunt and his administration were called upon to respond on many occasions to natural disasters. In addition, the largest manmade disaster in Missouri history, the failure of the Taum Sauk Reservoir in Reynolds County, occurred in 2005. As governor, Matt Blunt called the Missouri National Guard to duty 14 times to respond to disasters of all kinds. His guiding principles were to be proactive; to respond rapidly; to respond with sufficient quality and quantity of resources, to make a difference quickly for people who needed help; and to find ways to mitigate damages and threats to Missourians through better disaster preparedness, and then to follow through to ensure disaster assistance got to those who needed it.

Disaster Response In any disaster, Governor Blunt’s first concern was always the safety and security of Missourians. With that concern in mind Governor Blunt directed a coordinated state emergency response to protect Missourians and provide affected communities with essential resources to save lives and property, while at the same time meeting immediate needs for food, water and shelter. For the recovery efforts, Governor Blunt secured in excess of $143 million in federal disaster assistance for homeowners, farmers, small business men and women and communities impacted by disasters. Missourians’ generosity and spirit persevered through these challenges. Missourians lent their services, time, care and resources to help their neighbors as well as strangers who experienced natural disasters in other states, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Gustav in 2008.



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Responding to the Largest Manmade Disaster in Missouri’s History On December 14, 2005, a 600-foot breach in the upper basin of the Taum Sauk Hydroelectric Plant Reservoir spilled more than one billion gallons of water into the heart of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, causing major flooding and significant damage to surrounding areas. The incident was the largest manmade disaster in Missouri history and a true test of state and local emergency response capabilities.

Following the disaster Governor Blunt toured the area, visited Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and met with families seeking shelter. He also signed two State of Emergency Disaster executive orders authorizing state agencies and the Missouri National Guard to respond and implementing the state emergency response plan. Park Superintendent Jerry Toops and his family lost their home when the flood occurred and his three young children were hospitalized. Though all their material possessions were completely destroyed, the family was miraculously spared and then recovered from this horrific event. They joined Governor Blunt for his State of the State address to help him say thank you to all the brave heroes who aided in their rescue. Governor Blunt then led the year-long battle with Ameren to ensure the state was compensated for its losses both tangible and intangible. The governor’s perseverance to safeguard Missouri’s best interest led to a $180 million settlement with Ameren that provided Missouri residents with a new state park. The final agreement also secured Governor Blunt’s top priorities for the settlement - the rebuilding of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the transfer of the Rock Island Railroad bed to allow for the extension of the Katy Trail to Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Ultimately, this important acquisition will lead to the extension of the Katy Trail from St. Louis to Kansas City.

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Earthquake Preparedness In addition to prompt and effective responses in the aftermath of a disaster, Governor Blunt has emphasized the value of advance planning to reduce loss of life and property, through higher levels of preparedness. For example, he worked to place Missouri at the forefront in emergency preparedness, particularly for a catastrophic emergency such as an earthquake on the New Madrid fault. Governor Blunt assigned DPS Director Mark James with the task of leading his department, the State Emergency Management Agency, and other agencies to enhance and expand the existing State Emergency Operations Plan, adding a catastrophic event section to ensure Missouri was proactively preparing for an event such as a New Madrid earthquake. Governor Blunt’s administration worked closely with local, state and federal partners, as well as private relief agencies to ensure all earthquake response and recovery plans were integrated. This statewide emergency preparedness initiative included regional tabletop exercises, planning workshops and coordination with emergency managers in all 114 counties, especially in 47 New Madrid fault risk counties and the City of St. Louis. Missouri’s catastrophic planning and exercise activities were targeted for a national exercise planned for 2011, which will mark 200 years since the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquake.

Missouri Information Analysis Center In 2005, Governor Blunt created the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC), a 24-7 all hazards information center to collect, analyze and disseminate critical public safety information. The MIAC represents a public safety partnership of local, state and federal agencies united to provide timely, accurate, and secure support to agencies with Homeland Security and law enforcement responsibilities. The MIAC provides an around the clock, readily accessible mechanism to collect and analyze a broad spectrum of law enforcement and homeland security related information in an effort to identify potential trends or patterns of terrorist or criminal operations. MIAC also facilitates two-way communication between federal, state and local law enforcement communities within our region.



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Pandemic Flu Planning During Governor Blunt’s administration the state also took proactive steps to prepare for a different kind of emergency – pandemic flu. In addition to developing a statewide plan to treat potential pandemic flu victims and ensure vital services would continue with a projected third of the workforce unable to work, Governor Blunt signed legislation allowing the Department of Health and Senior Services to recruit, train and accept the services of citizen volunteers to dispense medication in a public health emergency under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.

Protecting Missouri’s Good Samaritans One of the most needed resources in any emergency is medical personnel to treat those in need. Governor Blunt championed Good Samaritan protection, signing a law that provides “Good Samaritan” liability protection to health care professionals from Missouri and other states who come to assist during a declared disaster.

“Health care professionals who offer their time and expertise to help our neighbors during an emergency should not fear frivolous lawsuits.” -Governor Matt Blunt

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“Those who favor an open border and welfare benefits for illegal immigrants say that Missouri ‘doesn’t have a problem’ with illegal immigration. Tell that to skilled carpenters or electricians who cannot get work because illegals are being exploited and doing the job for a pittance. Tell it to Missouri taxpayers who subsidize services for those who broke the law to come here. Disrespect for the law is always a serious social problem.” -Governor Matt Blunt, 2008 State of the State Address

Enacting Comprehensive Immigration Reform Immigration Reform

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eople from across the world come to America for freedom and the chance for a better life. With a rich and diverse immigrant heritage, Missourians embrace the contributions of lawful immigration to our state and communities. Today, as for more than two centuries, America is the most welcoming place in the world, opening our door to more immigrants than any country. Governor Blunt believes that we should always welcome legal immigrants, as we expect others to follow our laws for immigration. Missourians waited for years for Washington to act on illegal immigration. As Washington sat idle, problems and frustrations with illegal immigration increased. Governor Blunt said it was time to stop waiting on Washington to do its job, secure the border, and bring order to an increasingly chaotic national problem.

Fighting Illegal Immigration In January 2007, Governor Blunt’s administration received a call. A state employee who worked in the Harry S Truman Building in Jefferson City was working late one night and had observed a cleaning crew going through the building after hours. This vigilant state employee tipped off officials that some of the cleaning crew were probably illegal immigrants. Governor Blunt’s administration contacted the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials (ICE) and a raid was planned on the building for the evening of March 6, 2007. In the action, many illegals were found and detained on the basis of using false documents. In addition to directing the full cooperation of state law enforcement in the bust, Governor Blunt immediately ousted the state contractor who hired the illegal workers, barring them from future business with the state.

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In addition, Governor Blunt ordered state agencies to enact a no-tolerance policy through tough new contract protections, and issued a series of strong and clear directives to fight illegal immigration in Missouri. This included directing all state law enforcement agencies to verify the immigration status of anyone presented for incarceration. Unfortunately, the contractor case was emblematic of a larger problem in our state and nation. Governor Blunt champions expanded trade with other countries, and welcomes lawful immigrants and their contributions to Missouri’s economy and culture, but Washington’s failure to address the problem of illegal immigration had left it up to the states to take action.

One of the Toughest Laws in the U.S. In 2008, Governor Blunt signed a wide-ranging immigration reform plan with strict new laws to stem the tide of lawbreakers into our state. It is one of the toughest laws in the country to fight illegal immigration and places into statute many of Governor Action Taken On Illegal Immigrants by the Blunt’s directives. Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (September 2006 to November 2008) The legislation prohibits the creation of sanctuary cities in the state; requires verification of legal employment status of every public employee through E-verify; allows for cancellation of state contracts for contractors if they hire illegal immigrants; requires public agencies to verify the legal status of applicants before providing welfare benefits; criminalizes 131

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the transportation of illegal immigrants for exploitive purposes; and enacts provisions to punish bad-acting employers who hire illegal immigrants. The legislation also prohibits the issuance of a Missouri driver license to an illegal immigrant and creates new penalties for helping an illegal immigrant obtain a license by fraud. Most importantly, the legislation requires law enforcement to verify the immigration status of every person presented for incarceration within our state within 48 hours of the arrest. This placed Governor Blunt’s 2007 directive into state statute – binding local law enforcement and future governors. As of November 2008, the Missouri State Highway Patrol had detected 340 illegal immigrants following Governor Blunt’s directive.

State-Federal Partnership State law enforcement had been frustrated by the unresponsiveness of federal officials when an illegal immigrant was identified through arrest on other charges. This prompted Governor Blunt’s administration to seek new partnerships with the federal government to empower state law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigration law. Governor Blunt worked with ICE to obtain authority under Section 287g of the Immigration and Nationality Act for specially trained members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to enforce immigration laws as part of their day-to-day law enforcement work.  

Gateway Task Force In 2008, Governor Blunt signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Missouri Department of Public Safety creating the Gateway Task Force. This task force is a partnership between ICE and the state of Missouri to work more closely to fight the crimes and address the problems associated with illegal immigration. The Task Force includes ICE agents and specially trained members of the Highway Patrol who focus on illegal immigration and associated crimes such as: harboring illegal immigrants, transporting illegal immigrants, forced labor, human trafficking, identity theft, document fraud and bulk cash smuggling.

Auditing State Contracts Governor Blunt also authored the state’s first directive to audit all state contracts to ensure that employees are legally eligible to work in the U.S., and to terminate contracts if the company employs illegal immigrants. He added tough provisions to allow the state to immediately cancel contracts if the contractor knowingly employs workers not eligible to work here, and to require contractors to certify that all employees meet state and federal work eligibility standards. Governor Blunt also took significant steps to shield taxpayers’ money from supporting building projects that employ illegal workers, including starting on-site compliance reviews and requiring certification and third-party verification of legal worker status for all tax credit applicants. The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has adopted a stringent workforce eligibility policy consistent with Governor Blunt’s recommendations to the commission, including sanctions of up to a lifetime ban of contractors and developers who knowingly employ illegal immigrants in violation of federal law.

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“When I campaigned for governor, I promised Missourians that I would work to further the cause of life and we have kept that promise by enacting important pro-life legislation every year I have served as governor. All life is precious and needs to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.” -Governor Matt Blunt

Standing for the Sanctity of Life A Committed Pro-Life Governor

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att Blunt has been committed to the sanctity of life and he believes the United States Supreme Court wrongly decided the case Roe versus Wade. He believes the sanctity of life is a defining issue in America’s public life. As a state legislator and Governor, he consistently championed policies to uphold the value of every life, reduce the number of abortions, and encourage expectant parents to bring their children into the world. In 2004, Missourians elected Blunt the first pro-life governor since Governor John Ashcroft’s departure from office in January 1993. Governor Blunt campaigned on a platform to support a culture of life, and kept his promise by enacting new pro-life initiatives every year of his term.

Bringing the Legislature Back to Work In May 2005, the General Assembly adjourned without passing significant pro-life legislation. Progress had been made by lawmakers, but the constitutional deadline arrived before a bill was passed. Governor Blunt insisted on action to protect the sanctity of life, and called the legislature back to work in August 2005. At his call, the legislature passed a bill requiring abortion providers to have clinical privileges at a hospital nearby, so that women will have ready access to emergency care, and to strengthen laws for parental consent to any abortion performed on a minor child.

Helping Those Who Help Young Mothers In 2006, Governor Blunt worked with the General Assembly to enact an income tax credit for 50 percent of contributions to qualified pregnancy resource centers. The new law also made unused adoption tax credits available to charities that work with Missouri children in crisis situations. Pregnancy resource centers across Missouri offer support, resources and information to women facing unplanned or unexpected pregnancies. As the front line in the fight for life, the work of Missouri’s pregnancy resource centers is critical to help and support young parents who choose life. Governor Blunt has visited pregnancy resource centers in many communities to honor and encourage those who make these centers a success.



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Removing Abortion Providers from Missouri Classrooms Before Governor Blunt took office, abortion providers were invited into Missouri classrooms to teach sex education often with taxpayer-funded contracts that subsidized their other effort. Governor Blunt put an end to this. In 2007, Governor Blunt and the legislature passed a law to prohibit abortion providers from teaching sex education in public schools, ending a conflict of interest that was deeply offensive to the values of most parents and Missouri taxpayers.

No Taxpayer Dollars for Abortions Governor Blunt discovered that previous administrations had programmed taxpayer money for the abortion-provider Planned Parenthood. Using his executive authority, he acted immediately to halt this funding.

Protecting the Health of Mothers Governor Blunt and the legislature took long-needed action to set proper medical standards for abortion providers and their places of business. In 2007, he signed the new law to put abortion clinics on the same footing as other ambulatory surgical centers thereby raising health standards to protect women.

Alternatives to Abortion Governor Blunt delivered an additional $500,000 during his administration to support the state’s Alternatives to Abortion program, bringing total funding for the program to $1.9 million and making the program permanent by placing it in statute. These funds assist hundreds of expectant mothers annually.

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Missouri Adoptions 5,000 4,500 4,363

4,000

4,167 3,855

3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000

2,184

1,500 1,000

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2006

2007

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Missouri Abortions 8,500

8,000

8,046 7,899

7,500 7,498 7,000

7,110

6,500

6,000 2005

2006

2007

2008

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Matt Blunt’s unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life has protected the rights and lives of the most vulnerable. As a public servant, he is deeply grateful for the opportunity to stand up for one of our most basic shared values. As parents, Matt and Melanie Blunt cherish the knowledge that Missouri government is more engaged in the struggle to protect innocent life than at any time in our state’s history.



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“James Madison once said, ‘Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.’ And Madison was right. This is an unalienable and individual right and it is a right that some liberal groups and politicians are constantly seeking to erode.” -Governor Matt Blunt

Protecting Freedom Second Amendment

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att Blunt takes joy in the outdoors, including hunting with family and friends. His father taught him to shoot with a well-used .22 rifle that has been in his family for four generations. He cherishes our constitutional freedoms, including the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. Second Amendment freedom, so often under assault from gun control proponents, deserves and requires strong and consistent support from friends of the Constitution. Governor Blunt is a member of the National Rifle Association. James Madison once said of this freedom: “Americans have the right and advantage of being armed – unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.” Governor Blunt believes we must always trust the people. Governor Blunt understands that the right to own firearms is an inalienable and individual right. It is guaranteed by the Constitution, but was not created by the Constitution. As governor, Blunt has affirmed the rights of law-abiding citizens, protected sportsmen and women, and successfully opposed liberal gun control proposals to undermine and weaken the Second Amendment.

The “Castle Doctrine” in Missouri Law The principle that a person’s home is their “castle” is based in centuries of tradition and understanding that the most basic right is to defend oneself and family. Governor Blunt said “enough is enough” to the recent legal trend of home intruders, car hijackers and armed robbers bringing civil suits against people who defended themselves, their families, and their property against criminals. The Second Amendment is founded on the principle of individual and collective self-defense against aggression. In 2007, Governor Blunt signed the Castle Doctrine into Missouri law. Now, we have a legal standard in Missouri that protects people from civil liability and criminal prosecution when they defend themselves, their families and their property from criminals.



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Natural Disasters Do Not Suspend the Constitution When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, public safety officials in Louisiana took hasty and illconsidered action to seize firearms from law-abiding citizens. Outraged by the gun seizures, Governor Blunt resolved that this would never happen in Missouri. In 2007, he signed a law to ensure that law-abiding Missourians cannot lose their rights during natural disasters or civil disturbances. These are the times when we should place a premium on people’s ability to defend themselves against violent crimes.

Strengthening the Right to Carry for Self-Defense When former Governor Holden vetoed the right-to-carry law in 2003, the legislature overrode his veto. As a candidate, then-Secretary of State Blunt pledged to protect and strengthen Missourians’ right to carry for selfdefense. He kept that promise and enacted a new law to end the six-month waiting period for new residents. Now, a law-abiding citizen who is a legal resident of Missouri may apply for safety training and a permit.

Protecting Missouri’s Hunting Heritage Lands In 2007, Governor Blunt signed legislation to create Hunting Heritage Protection Areas, to protect valuable flood plains for hunting and recreation to ensure the hunting rights of future generations. The law Governor Blunt signed preserves Missourians’ right to lawfully hunt and sport within heritage protection areas.

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Shooting Range Protection In Missouri, shooting ranges were actually being sued over noise complaints by people who built homes or moved next to a target range. Governor Blunt signed legislation protecting the owners of ranges from lawsuits that are frivolous, or intended to undermine firearms rights.

Second Amendment Rightly Understood by U.S. Supreme Court In 2008, Governor Blunt strongly endorsed the decision of the United States Supreme Court that the Second Amendment guarantees and protects an individual freedom, like the balance of the Bill of Rights. Governor Blunt has used his appointing power whenever possible to appoint sound, pro-Constitution judges to the state bench.

“Missourians maintain a deep reverence for the freedoms guaranteed by the Second Amendment.” -Governor Matt Blunt



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“The Tour of Missouri has been an outstanding success for Missouri’s economy and tourism. It is truly a reflection of our great state and has provided an incomparable opportunity to showcase Missouri’s natural beauty and warm hospitality to a world audience.” -Governor Matt Blunt

Bringing a World Class Cycling Race to Missouri Tour of Missouri

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overnor Blunt’s vision to bring a World Class Cycling race to Missouri with the Tour of Missouri jump started what is easily among the most successful tourism initiatives in the nation. Hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world poured their tourism dollars into the state while seeing first hand the amazing treasures that abound within our borders.

Starting an Important Tradition The Tour started with a simple idea. Governor Blunt received a letter about the Tour de Georgia from a friend in Springfield who is an avid cyclist. After reading about the state of Georgia’s tour and considering the benefits a professional cycling race would bring to Missouri, Governor Blunt asked Lt. Governor Peter Kinder to lead a steering committee to determine the benefits that a world class cycling event would bring to Missouri. In October 2006, the governor’s hard work to bring such an event to our state paid off and Missouri was awarded the USA Cycling and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) sanctioned event that is now known as the Tour of Missouri.



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Showcasing Missouri’s Treasures September 2007 marked the inaugural Tour of Missouri, giving Missouri the opportunity to showcase the state to an international audience. For six days some of the world’s top athletes covered 600 miles of Missouri streets, roads and highways. The successful event would return bigger and better in 2008. The two Tours included stops in Branson, Clinton, Columbia, Hermann, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Lebanon, Rolla, Springfield, St. Charles, St. Joseph, and St. Louis - pouring tourism dollars into these local economies and highlighting our beautiful state. Seventy-two percent of spectators rated the Tour of Missouri more highly than any other professional sporting event they had attended in the previous 12 months.

Promoting Health and Wellness The Tour also presented an opportunity to promote health and wellness to young Missourians. Local students across the state lined up as the peloton of cyclists sped through their towns, many ‘adopting’ a rider and using the opportunity to learn more about his home country and culture. In addition the cyclists’ commitment to health and fitness inspired many Missourians to get back on the bike for their own health.

Inspiring New Fans Governor Blunt’s Tour of Missouri added terms like “yellow jersey” and “peloton” into Missouri sports fans’ vernacular. Live video feeds, up to the minute racing information, and fantastic start and finish events across the state invigorated an entirely new base of cycling fans. Missouri families who had never before followed the international cycling circuit can now quote the latest race positions and are looking forward to seeing the worldclass athletes’ next appearance in Missouri. The estimated turnout for the Tour in 2007 was 367,566 spectators. In 2008, there were an estimated 434,000 spectators.

Contributing to Missouri’s Economy The Tour of Missouri surpassed all expectations and demonstrated its value and benefits at least ten times over, generating $26.2 million in tourism dollars in 2007, and nearly $30 million in 2008. On average out of state visitors spent more than $270 per day during their visit. Seventy-seven percent of non-Missourians said the Tour of Missouri was the reason they came to spend time in Missouri.

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Welcoming an International Audience Following the success of the 2008 race, the International Cycling Union, the sanctioning body for professional cycling, raised the ranking of the Tour of Missouri to a prestigious 2.HC ranking, making the event one of the top stage races for elite athletes around the world. This status also makes the Tour of Missouri one of only three 2.HC races in the Northern Hemisphere and will help in making the race more appealing to cyclists, tourists and corporate sponsors.

Governor Blunt’s vision for the Tour of Missouri was an outstanding success for Missouri’s economy and tourism. It is truly a reflection of our great state and has provided an incomparable opportunity to showcase Missouri’s natural beauty and warm hospitality to a world audience.



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“For decades, Americans and people from around the world have been visiting Missouri to experience our urban excitement in St. Louis and Kansas City, our rustic beauty in the Ozarks, our natural wonders in state and national parks, our vibrant lakes, and our Missouri hospitality everywhere.” -Governor Matt Blunt

Delivering Jobs and Income for the Heartland Missouri Tourism

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issouri’s natural beauty and hospitality, and our many opportunities for fun and recreation, make the Show-Me State one of America’s premier destinations for family travel. Touting our attractions, rich and diverse history, and central location, Governor Blunt has made it a priority to open Missouri doors to even more visitors from across the nation and around the world.

Investing in Tourism Marketing Missouri tallied an increase of 5.4 percent in leisure travel to Missouri under Governor Blunt’s leadership, from Fiscal Year 2005 to 2008. With his strong support, the state has invested in marketing Missouri travel nationwide, to create a Missouri “brand” for enjoyable, familyfriendly leisure and recreation. The Governor’s initiative has been especially beneficial to smaller communities, but the creation of new jobs and income has been felt statewide, as well as in revenue gains for state and local government. During Governor Blunt’s administration, funding for Missouri tourism promotion increased by 32.8 percent with a $5.8 million increase.



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Promoting Tourism: The Blunt Family Vacation In summer 2008, with gasoline prices hurting families and businesses everywhere, Governor Blunt, Melanie Blunt, and their son William Branch boarded an RV to promote Missouri tourism, traveling to parks and other attractions across Missouri. The Blunt family visited 13 Missouri parks and historical sites as part of their “Show-Me Tourism” tour. The family had a wonderful time visiting some of the many great places to take a vacation in Missouri, and demonstrating that soaring energy prices should be an open door to vacations close to home, to enjoy Missouri’s beauty, history and heritage.

Expanding the Katy Trail Missouri’s Katy Trail State Park helps to highlight the scenic beauty of our state, provides recreational opportunities for Missourians and generates tourism dollars for our economy. Expanding the Katy Trail was a priority of the Blunt administration. Something positive can sometimes come from tragedy. Such was the case with the opportunity to complete the Katy Trail to the Kansas City area. Governor Blunt and the Department of Natural Resources secured through the Ameren Taum Sauk settlement a perpetual license needed to expand the Katy Trail alongside the old Rock Island Railroad corridor from Windsor to Pleasant Hill. Ultimately, this important acquisition will lead to the extension of the Katy Trail from St. Louis to the Kansas City area.

A New State Park! Between 15 million and 17 million people visit Missouri’s 83 state parks and historic sites every year. The economic impact is hundreds of millions of dollars. To strengthen Missouri’s great state park system, Governor Blunt announced in 2007 the completion of initial planning for a new state park, on the scenic, free-

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flowing Current River in Shannon County. This work was a partnership between the governor’s office and the Departments of Natural Resources and Conservation. The river and the surrounding forests in rugged south central Missouri are a unique natural resource, and truly worthy of joining the state park system. The planned park will transfer part of the Sunklands Conservation Area to the parks network, creating enhanced public recreation and access to the Current River. Retaining Conservation Department stewardship and management of the remaining property preserves many other recreational interests in the greater Sunklands area – fishing, hunting for small game, deer and turkey, hiking and wildlife viewing. Missouri has had no state park on the Current River since 1968, when Big Spring, Round Spring and Alley Spring parks were transferred to the National Parks Service to be the cornerstones of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The new state park will be developed on the site of the historic Alton Club/Jerry J. Presley Conservation Education Center, on the Current River north of Eminence in Shannon County. The Alton Club was built in the 1930s as a company retreat for the Alton Box Board Company. The buildings reflect the rustic architecture popular in camp and park buildings in the early 20th Century.



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“Our commitment to ensure that taxpayer dollars are distributed as they were originally intended has had a powerful, positive impact on the Arts in Missouri, which in turn has expanded access to and awareness of the countless cultural and enrichment opportunities throughout our great state.” -Governor Matt Blunt

Reclaiming Missouri’s Place as National Arts Leader

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Supporting the Arts

hen Governor Blunt took office Missourians were tired of seeing taxes spent on government endeavors that had nothing to do with the reason used to justify the tax. Missouri has dedicated taxes aimed at funding important projects including libraries, humanities and the arts. Governor Blunt worked to end the diversion of dedicated taxes and ensure that they are spent for the purpose for which they were created. In addition his support for Missouri’s cultural partners has transformed the arts in Missouri.

Ending Diversion of Dedicated Taxes Missouri’s laws direct the taxes paid by out of state athletes and entertainers who play and perform in Missouri to a group of organizations known as Missouri’s cultural partners—the Missouri Arts Council, the Missouri Humanities Council, the Missouri State Libraries, the Missouri Public Television Broadcasting Corporation and Missouri Historic Preservation. In his first budget, even with difficult budget challenges to meet, the cultural partners received $1 million in new funding for the first time in three years. The next year, they received $5.5 million, the next $13 million and in his final budget Governor Blunt was able to direct $18 million toward these important groups. With Governor Blunt’s support, cultural partners received more money from the NonResident Athletes and Entertainers Tax than ever before in the state’s history.



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Reclaiming Missouri’s Place as National Arts Leader Governor Blunt’s unwavering commitment to the arts allowed Missouri to reclaim its spot as a leading arts supporter, even after funding cuts for the arts during the years before his administration.

When Governor Blunt took office Missouri was near dead last in arts funding among all states and territories. With a strong commitment to restoring a dedicated tax to its rightful purpose, the governor kept his commitment to invest in the arts, increasing funding every year and regaining Missouri’s spot as a leader in arts funding. Governor Blunt’s leadership moved Missouri from a near last place position to 14th among all 50 states and six territories based on Fiscal Year 2008 information. Governor Blunt’s personal commitment to supporting and obtaining increased public funding for Missouri’s arts resulted in increasing Missouri’s public funding for the arts from $500,000 in 2005 to $11.3 million in 2009, the largest amount ever appropriated to Missouri’s arts. Governor and First Lady Melanie Blunt are strong advocates for the arts in Missouri. Governor Blunt believes that whatever the medium, the genre, the presentation, the arts enrich the lives of all Missourians. He has said art bolsters our economy, strengthens our communities, and bridges cultural divides.

Fiscal Year

Governor Blunt also named the state’s first ever Poet Laureate, Walter Bargen. The governor created the Missouri Poet Laureate post to help promote the arts in Missouri and to encourage Missourians to learn more about the many cultural Fiscal Year Ranking Funding Per Capita opportunities available in the state. The First Lady served as $1.37 - Rank 14 2008 the honorary chair for Missouri Citizens for the Arts and has 2007 $0.63 - Rank 33 worked to promote arts across 2006 $0.19 - Rank 43 Missouri. 2005 2004 2003 2002

$0.08 - Rank 49 $0.00 - Rank 56 $0.65 - Rank 38 $1.05 - Rank 27

2001

$1.92 - Rank 14

0 $0.20 $0.40 $0.60 $0.80 $1.00 $1.20 $1.40 $1.60 $1.80 $2.00 Fiscal Year

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National Award for State Arts Leadership

A

mericans for the Arts awarded Governor Blunt the 2008 National Award for State Arts Leadership. The national award recognizes elected officials whose role in advancement of the arts and arts education within their communities and whose vision and leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts. Governor Blunt received the 2008 National Award for Gubernatorial Arts Leadership for his ambitious and committed support for the arts. “Governor Blunt truly understands the power of the arts as an economic tool, a way to educate our young people, and a path to cultural understanding across all of Missouri,” said Janette M. Lohman, President of Missouri Citizens for the Arts, the arts advocacy organization who nominated Governor Blunt for the Award. “We anticipate a great future for the arts in Missouri due in large part to the support and leadership of Governor Blunt.” “Governor Blunt’s support of the arts exemplifies how investment in the arts translates into community growth, prosperity and vitality,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “His leadership in the arts should be an inspiration to all public office figures.” “We are so pleased that Americans for the Arts is honoring Governor Blunt for his unwavering support for the arts and for making significant and lasting improvements to the arts landscape of our state,” said Sharon Beshore, Missouri Arts Council Chair and Missouri Citizens for the Arts Board member. “The historic arts funding that the Governor has recommended will improve the quality of life for all Missourians.”



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Promises Fulfilled On January 22, 2008, Governor Blunt announced in a televised address to Missourians that he would be returning to private life at the end of his term. After serving twenty years in public service and accomplishing virtually everything he set out to accomplish when he ran for governor, Matt Blunt believed strongly that he had completed the mission and fulfilled the promises that Missourians asked him to fulfill when they elected him Missouri’s 54th Governor. The following is the text of Governor Blunt’s address to Missourians: Fellow Missourians. Let me speak directly with you. In 2004 I promised leadership, vision and change. It was more than a slogan, it defined a mission. You elected me to chart a new course. And together we are creating a future of greater opportunity for all Missourians. We inherited a budget that was $1.1 billion dollars in the red and turned it into three straight surpluses without increasing taxes. In fact, we cut taxes. In contrast to the old education withholdings and cuts, my budgets will have delivered 1.2 billion new dollars to our universities, classrooms and students. A broke and broken Medicaid system is being transformed into a network of care offering vulnerable Missourians healthier lives at a cost taxpayers can afford. We have turned record job-loss into nearly 90,000 new jobs. Hundreds of millions of dollars in waste has been eliminated and we reduced the size of government. What we set-out to achieve four years ago has been accomplished. Once when asked if he were running for re-election another governor responded, “Yes, I like being governor.” When I read that I thought at the time that I never wanted to run for any office just to hold it. I did not run for governor to have a title, but to bring change to state government.

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The habit of politicians is to remain in office and the desire to prove oneself in the next election is strong. After a great deal of thought and prayer, and with the knowledge that we have achieved virtually everything I set out to accomplish, and more, I will not seek a second term in the upcoming election. Because I feel we have changed what I wanted to change in the first term there is not the same sense of mission for a second. At the end of my term, I will have served twenty years in public service, ten years in the United States Navy followed by ten years in state government. Melanie and our son William Branch mean the world to me. I have spent more time away from them than I would like. We are ready for the next chapter in our lives and I am looking forward to spending more time with them. Some will wrongly think that this is a retirement from the effort to improve the lives of Missourians. But they will have failed to understand that the greatest and wisest leadership of our state is not housed within the ornate offices of the Capitol. It springs from our citizens, communities, churches and institutions of private life. There are new and important initiatives we can achieve this year. Their success will help keep the change working for Missouri families. I will focus on these initiatives. To serve as your governor is a great privilege. I will continue to work every day to be worthy of the faith and confidence you have placed in me. Thank you for listening, and may God continue to bless our great state.



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Chronology 2004-2005 November 2, 2004

Matt Blunt elected as Missouri’s 54th Governor.

December 30, 2004

Governor-elect Matt Blunt and legislative budget leaders agree on estimated amount of revenue. Matt Blunt inherits $1.1 billion deficit.

January 10, 2005

Inauguration.

January 11, 2005

Honors key campaign pledges his first full day in office: revokes executive order that allowed collective bargaining for state agencies, closes state’s Washington D.C. office, freezes purchase of non-emergency vehicles, cell phones and new office space for state agencies.

January 14, 2005

Announces new Department of Revenue contract office plan, saving taxpayers $7 million annually.

January 21, 2005

Secures bipartisan support for his plan to halt the supply source of methamphetamine labs.

January 24, 2005

Enacts video games ban for all Missouri correctional facilities.

January 24, 2005

Creates Missouri State Government Review Commission to conduct first top to bottom review of government in 30 years.

January 26, 2005

First State of the State Address.

February 4, 2005

Consolidates seniors in-home care programs into one agency rather than three.

February 16, 2005

Appoints director to oversee Homeland Security within the Department of Public Safety.

March 1, 2005

Secures legislation changing several higher education institution names including changing Southwest Missouri State to Missouri State University.

March 9, 2005

Governor and Mrs. Matt Blunt announce the birth of their son William Branch Blunt.

March 16, 2005

Announces Missouri Quality Jobs Act.

March 24, 2005

Details $239.2 million in additional spending reductions to balance FY 2006 budget.

March 29, 2005

Signs into law sweeping litigation and medical malpractice reforms.

March 30, 2005

Signs comprehensive Worker’s Compensation Reform.

April 18, 2005

Creates Governor’s Advisory Council for Plant Biotechnology.

April 26, 2005

Enacts changes to Missouri’s Medicaid program.

May 5, 2005

Review of federal homeland security spending completed.

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May 6, 2005

General Assembly passes Governor Blunt’s budget including significant increase in education funding, reduces size of government.

May 6, 2005

Announces Missouri joining AMBER Alert Web Portal.

May 12, 2005

Secures passage of a new school funding formula.

May 12, 2005

Legislature sends Quality Jobs Act legislation to Governor Blunt.

May 17, 2005

Introduces School Bus Safety Task Force after fatal and dangerous accidents across state.

May 17, 2005

Denies clemency request for Vernon Brown, Vernon Brown executed.

May 31, 2005

Eliminates $1.2 million in unnecessary and unneeded lease contracts and utility expenses.

June 9, 2005

Announces new tool to help Missourians quit smoking, statewide tobacco Quitline.

June 13, 2005

Advocates for Missouri workers in Detroit meetings with auto companies.

June 15, 2005

Signs legislation to combat meth.

June 16, 2005

Increases the number of newborn screening tests from five to 27.

June 20, 2005

Testifies for national security, Missouri interests at BRAC hearing in St. Louis.

June 23, 2005

Signs budget bills, vetoes $23.3 million to ensure balanced budget.

June 27, 2005

Creates Missouri Task Force on Eminent Domain.

June 29, 2005

Signs school funding formula focused on Missouri school children’s needs.

June 30, 2005

Expands Homestead Preservation Act to benefit seniors and disabled home owners.

July 1, 2005

State begins fiscal year with balanced budget.

July 1, 2005

Monitors extreme drought in southeast, south-central and northeast Missouri.

July 5, 2005

Signs Missouri Quality Jobs Act.

July 5, 2005

Proclaims drought alert in 23 counties.

July 6, 2005

Makes School Supply Sales Tax Holiday permanent.

July 7, 2005

Directs state to immediately stop providing Viagra to registered sex offenders on Missouri Medicaid and to all Medicaid recipients except for rare instances when it is used to treat a pulmonary condition.

July 8, 2005

Signs bills allowing Missouri counties to post convicted sex offenders’ pictures on their Internet sites.

July 12, 2005

Enacts legislation to fix state’s concealed carry law, support local law enforcement issuing permits.

July 13, 2005

Strengthens laws for repeat drunk drivers.



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July 13, 2005

Signs law that requires certain sex offenders to be monitored by GPS for life.

July 14, 2005

Vetoes bill that would harm disclosure and ethics laws designed to ensure government agencies and elected officials are accountable to the people they represent.

July 19, 2005

Launches Healthy Missourians Initiative.

July 20, 2005

Appoints members to Eminent Domain Task Force.

July 21, 2005

Signs executive order to streamline homeland security efforts, establish Homeland Security Advisory Council.

August 3, 2005

Issues executive order in response to Hurricane Katrina.

August 3, 2005

Denies clemency request for Timothy Johnston. Timothy Johnson executed.

August 4, 2005

Tours drought stricken areas.

August 8, 2005

Requests disaster declaration for drought stricken counties.

August 12, 2005

Asks Corps of Engineers to protect navigation on Mississippi River, begins precedent of advocacy for Missouri, Mississippi River interests.

August 17, 2005

Issues call for special session to approve pro-life legislation.

August 22, 2005

Restructures Department of Natural Resources to better serve Missourians.

September 5, 2005

Declares State of Emergency to provide further assistance to Katrina victims.

September 8, 2005

Creates Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity.

September 13, 2005 Receives National Biotechnology Leadership Award. September 15, 2005 Signs landmark pro-life bill into law. September 16, 2005 Honored as United States Junior Chamber’s (Jaycee’s) Ten Outstanding Young Americans. September 21, 2005 Signs executive order establishing a permanent interagency steering team for the Missouri Reentry Process. September 21, 2005 Hosts Taiwan trade delegation. September 26, 2005 Kicks off his “Show-Me Solutions” initiative to highlight Missourians’ generous contributions. October 4, 2005

Launches after school initiative.

October 11, 2005

Missouri Quality Systems Assessment Program for Livestock begins, making Missouri the first state in the nation to be certified by the USDA.

October 21, 2005

Secures agreement to improve the ability of every Missourian to heat his or her home.

October 25, 2005

Denies clemency request for Marlin Gray, Marlin Gray executed.

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October 31, 2005

Launches new fleet management initiatives.

November 11, 2005

Forms Advisory Council for Veterans Affairs.

November 14, 2005

Executive order establishes the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as Missouri’s new standard for emergency preparedness.

November 17, 2005

Touts Missouri’s new economic climate with Japanese business leaders in New York City.

November 17, 2005

Pro-life law withstands court scrutiny.

November 18, 2005

Directs state agencies to work with local governments in the New Madrid region to develop a coordinated plan to deal with a possible natural disaster.

December 1, 2005

Promotes Ready in 3 Internet site to help Missouri families prepare for emergencies.

December 4, 2005

Leads trade delegation to Mexico.

December 7, 2005

Creates the Hispanic Business, Trade and Culture Commission.

December 9, 2005

Meets with all state department directors for an earthquake preparedness briefing.

December 14, 2005

Issues disaster declaration in response to Taum Sauk disaster.

December 14, 2005

Missourians create 28,100 new jobs since January 2005.

December 15, 2005

Implements Missouri Information Analysis Center.

December 22, 2005

Directs DNR to use emergency funds for Taum Sauk restoration.

December 27, 2005

Signs executive order targeting energy efficiency, creating the Missouri Energy Task Force.

December 30, 2005

Calls for new protections for property owners following his Missouri Task Force on Eminent Domain recommendations.

December 31, 2005

End of year marks new export record of $10.5 billion in sales abroad for Missouri.

2006 January 3, 2006

Implements many Missouri State Government Review Commission recommendations.

January 5, 2006

Hosts Governor’s Prayer Breakfast with keynote speaker Mark Earley, President of Prison Fellowship.

January 5, 2006

Leads St. Louis delegation to Michigan to meet with Ford executives.

January 6, 2006

Recommends unprecedented funding increases for Federally Qualified Community Health Centers.

January 6, 2006

Accepts award from Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital for contributing to the health care needs of children.



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January 9, 2006

Calls for significant funding increase for residential care centers to benefit Missouri’s most vulnerable children.

January 11, 2006

Delivers second State of the State, reaffirms commitment to education, jobs, health care, enhanced opportunities for Missourians.

January 17, 2006

Signs executive order to form Missouri Health Care Information Technology Task Force.

January 19, 2006

Signs Utilicare funding to help vulnerable Missourians with heating bills.

January 21, 2006

Meets with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt to safeguard Missourians’ access to prescription drugs.

January 24, 2006

Calls for a Math and Science summit, new partnerships to support students.

January 26, 2006

Unveils his Lewis & Clark Discovery Initiative for Missouri college and university students.

February 1, 2006

Challenges legality of manmade flood on Missouri River.

February 6, 2006

Signs executive order enacting common sense reorganization to increases efficiency, enhance services in several departments.

February 7, 2006

Signs executive order naming Department of Agriculture headquarters after George Washington Carver.

February 10, 2006

Makes Homeland Security Advisory Council permanent.

February 13, 2006

Calls for changes to Missouri’s dam safety laws following his call for comprehensive review.

February 17, 2006

Unveils new protections to fight cattle rustling.

February 23, 2006

Holds Missouri pandemic planning summit.

March 1, 2006

Signs Spc. Edward Lee Myers Law.

March 12, 2006

Activates SEMA to respond to fatal tornadoes in Perryville.

March 13, 2006

Declares state of emergency, activates National Guard in tornado response.

March 17, 2006

Opposes sale of Missouri’s Mark Twain Forest land.

March 19, 2006

Marks State Day of Prayer for tornado victims.

March 22, 2006

Visits with community and business leaders in Europe to promote business and trade and to build on record breaking export numbers.

March 28, 2006

U.S. Chamber of Commerce announces Missouri has jumped from the 40th spot for best legal climate in the country to the 35th spot.

April 3, 2006

Declares state of emergency, activates National Guard following severe weather that kills three.

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April 12, 2006

Southern Business and Development Magazine names Governor Blunt as One of Ten Who Made a Difference.

April 12, 2006

Meth incidents show sharp decline after enactment of tough anti-meth bill.

April 25, 2006

Hosts Math and Science Summit.

April 26, 2006

Continues advocacy for Missouri River, tells Corps to reconsider plan to flood Missouri farmers and river communities or face legal action.

April 26, 2006

Visits Pemiscot County following fatal storm.

May 4, 2006

Issues strict Code of Conduct Policy for Governor’s Office including first ever lobbyist gift ban.

May 5, 2006

Missouri General Assembly passes governor’s tough bill to prevent abuse of eminent domain laws.

May 10, 2006

Opens Missouri’s Heart Gallery.

May 10, 2006

Names members to Math and Science Alliance.

May 24, 2006

Launches METS (Math, Engineering, Technology and Science) Internet site.

May 24, 2006

Visits Missouri Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan.

June 6, 2006

Expands Missouri Information and Analysis Center hours.

June 6, 2006

Signs mandatory minimum sentences for sexual predators that prey on young victims, Missouri’s tough version of Florida’s Jessica’s law.

June 8, 2006

Meets with President George W. Bush, supports effort to obtain line item veto authority over the federal budget.

June 12, 2006

Signs legislation helping Missouri’s vulnerable children.

June 12, 2006

Signs laws establishing a pre through graduate school (P-20) council and Missouri’s virtual school, among other important children’s and education initiatives.

June 13, 2006

Signs legislation to create the Vietnam War Medallion Program and other important Veterans initiatives.

June 15, 2006

Expands eligibility to nearly 5,500 additional Missouri children through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

June 15, 2006

Initiates a cross agency to improve service and safety at mental health facilities.

June 20, 2006

Launches DREAM (Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri) Initiative.

June 22, 2006

Signs budget with second consecutive major funding increase for Missouri schools.

June 23, 2006

Signs budget including $20 million funding increase to higher education institutions, the



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first significant funding increase in years. June 28, 2006

Signs Booster Safety Bill to protect Missouri children.

June 29, 2006

Signs 2nd consecutive balanced budget, vetoing $10.4 million in unnecessary spending.

June 29, 2006

Signs transportation, public safety initiatives including strengthening state’s Move Over law.

June 30, 2006

Signs executive order establishing Interoperable Communication Committee.

June 30, 2006

Visits Clinton, MO, where a downtown building partially collapsed.

June 30, 2006

Fiscal Year 2006 for Missouri tallies the most significant General Revenue Fund growth in at least two decades.

July 1, 2006

State begins second fiscal year in a row with balanced budget, starts year with a significant general revenue balance of $695.3 million.

July 3, 2006

Issues executive order to better manage tobacco settlement money.

July 5, 2006

Lowest number of Missourians on welfare in over a decade.

July 5, 2006

Signs legislation to further protect mourners’ rights by enacting additional restrictions on protests at funerals.

July 5, 2006

Enacts 10 percent ethanol standard, Missouri becomes fourth state in the country to enact such a standard.

July 6, 2006

Establishes state commission to honor Abraham Lincoln.

July 10, 2006

Signs legislation to benefit patients, seniors including new provisions governing residential care and assisted living facilities.

July 11, 2006

Enacts second major pro-life bill, tax credit program to benefit pregnancy resource centers.

July 12, 2006

Signs ethics reform legislation.

July 13, 2006

Signs eminent domain legislation.

July 14, 2006

Enacts new law to increase access to affordable health care for employees of small businesses.

July 14, 2006

Begins aggressive advocacy campaign to support St. Louis students, calling for State Board of Education to examine every alternative for quick action to bring stability to the St. Louis City Public Schools.

July 20, 2006

Directs all state agencies under his control to provide assistance to storm-battered St. Louis, activates SEMA to facilitate the state’s response.

July 20, 2006

Issues executive orders to assist storm recovery and clean-up efforts.

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July 21, 2006

Seeks federal assistance for Missourians impacted by severe weather.

July 26, 2006

Calls on Corps of Engineers to reopen Missouri River for navigation.

July 26, 2006

Asks PSC to investigate Ameren’s response to St. Louis storms that left hundreds of thousands without power for days.

July 27, 2006

Continues advocacy for St. Louis City public school students, supporting State Board of Education’s decision to call monitoring committee.

July 31, 2006

Introduces new, innovative electronic and secure health records initiative.

August 2, 2006

Receives 98 applications for DREAM Initiative.

August 9, 2006

Accepts nomination to NGA’s Innovation America Task Force for ongoing efforts to promote Math, Engineering, Technology and Science (METS) learning.

August 17, 2006

Charts a new course for Missouri beef, calls for plan to increase Missouri beef value.

August 17, 2006

Directs that only majority farmer-owned ethanol and biodiesel production facilities receive discretionary state tax incentives.

August 30, 2006

Convenes emergency risk communication training for Cabinet members to better prepare the state for emergency.

September 5, 2006

Officially dedicates the home of Missouri’s Department of Agriculture as the George Washington Carver State Office Building.

September 12, 2006 Takes payday loan operations out of nursing homes. September 12, 2006 Governor Blunt, METS Alliance finalize action plan for student success. September 19, 2006 Implements new hiring procedure to verify state employees’ identity and citizenship. September 21, 2006 Travels to Arizona, meets with Missouri National Guard troops working to secure Mexican border. September 22, 2006 Announces Lewis and Clark Water Trail on Missouri River. September 23, 2006 Declares state of emergency in response to tornadoes, high winds, hail and flooding in Phelps County as well as the counties of Butler, Crawford, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley and St. Francois. September 25, 2006 Sends Damage Assessment Teams to 12 counties. September 26, 2006 Reiterates call for Taum Sauk compensation from Ameren. September 26, 2006 Announces first annual DREAM Initiative inductees. September 26, 2006 Visits Perry County to view severe weather, storm destruction. September 28, 2006 State and Federal E-Government in the United States, 2006 study ranks Missouri 20th, a 20 spot bump from 2005 study. October 1, 2006

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October 2, 2006

Calls for compensation for Missourians for Taum Sauk disaster, noting FERC penalty does not compensate state’s losses.

October 4, 2006

Mandates that all employees who use state cell phones and other wireless devices subscribe to receive AMBER Alert information through the AMBER Alert Web Portal.

October 9, 2006

Directs Public Safety to evaluate Missouri school preparedness plans.

October 12, 2006

Hosts Afterschool Summit in Osage Beach.

October 17, 2006

Breaks ground for Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks with First Lady Melanie Blunt.

October 17, 2006

Announces first Tour of Missouri planned for September 2007.

October 18, 2006

Requests federal assistance for Missouri farm families following storm and flood damage.

October 19, 2006

Participates in school safety Internet broadcast.

October 19, 2006

Receives an “A” grade on the CATO Institute’s biennial fiscal report card, which awards the highest grades to those who have reduced spending and cut taxes. Governor Blunt was the only governor in the country to receive an “A.”

October 23, 2006

Unveils enhanced Sex Offender Registry.

October 24, 2006

Breaks ground for new Chillicothe prison.

October 25, 2006

Meets with British Consul General Andrew Seaton and Italian Consul General Eugenio Sgro.

October 25, 2006

Calls for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to recognize Missouri’s river management needs.

October 25, 2006

Calls for quick action to protect ethanol interests, calls for Underwriters’ Laboratories Inc. to certify and approve E-85 fuel pumps.

October 25, 2006

Urges Missouri Congressional delegation to support traditional marriage amendment following NJ Supreme Court ruling.

October 26, 2006

Expands Homeland Security Teams to enhance school safety, for the first time officially includes the education community in emergency planning.

November 1, 2006

Missouri Rx (MoRx) program benefits expanded to as many as 60,000 more Missourians.

November 1, 2006

Launches Chronic Care Improvement Program.

November 9, 2006

Works to protect nation’s historic resources as member of Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in Washington, D.C.

November 22, 2006

Grants four pardons.

November 27, 2006

Offers support to Multi-jurisdictional Cyber Crimes Task Force.

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November 27, 2006

Commits Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Safety and the Missouri Highway Patrol to conduct the investigation of Anderson Guest House Fire.

November 27, 2006

Signs executive order calling for Missouri Health Care Responsibility Report.

November 29, 2006

Directs Department of Health and Senior Services and the Missouri Department of Mental Health to assess and review all safety laws and regulations related to residential care facilities.

December 1, 2006

Declares State of Emergency in response to severe weather and widespread power outages, activates Guard, directs resources to aid Missourians.

December 7, 2006

Meets with Missouri Coordinating Board for Early Childhood.

December 8, 2006

Missouri Department of Transportation meets governor’s challenge to overhaul 2,200 miles of highway by the end of 2006.

December 12, 2006

State receives high marks on national preparedness report.

December 16, 2006

Missourians create 45,400 new jobs since January 2005.

December 19, 2006

Issues executive order to protect client safety and improve the delivery of mental health services.

December 30, 2006

Secures federal disaster declaration following winter storms.

December 31, 2006

Sets new export record in 2006 with $12.8 billion in sales to 191 countries around the world.

2007 January 4, 2007

Hosts Governor’s Prayer Breakfast with keynote speaker Attorney General John Ashcroft.

January 4, 2007

Requests disaster declaration for Missouri farm families.

January 9, 2007

Calls for second significant funding increase for Parents as Teachers.

January 9, 2007

Announces plans to fully fund Utilicare for the second year in a row.

January 10, 2007

Unveils Price Compare to help Missourians find the lowest prices on the prescription drugs they need.

January 10, 2007

Missouri’s enhanced workers’ compensation law upheld in court.

January 11, 2007

Calls for new resources to support Multi-jurisdictional Internet Cyber Crimes Task Forces.

January 12, 2007

Receives end-of-year reports from several councils he formed to save money for taxpayers by improving efficiency and cooperation in state government.

January 12, 2007

Appoints bipartisan, Blue Ribbon Panel to recommend reforms to housing agency.



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January 12, 2007

Commends law enforcement who helped find Ben Ownby, a 13-year-old Franklin County boy missing for five days, as well as Shawn Hornbeck, who had been missing since 2002.

January 13, 2007

Declares emergency, activates Guard in response to storm.

January 15, 2007

Visits shelters in Springfield and St. Charles following what emergency workers called the largest mass care national disaster Missouri has ever experienced.

January 16, 2007

Secures Federal Disaster Declaration following deadly ice storms.

January 16, 2007

Works with Bill McKenna to continue service on Transportation Commission, continues push for Mississippi River bridge.

January 17, 2007

Emphasizes the importance of Health Care Homes in new health care system.

January 17, 2007

Establishes special state agency teams to help overwhelmed local governments with ongoing winter storm response efforts.

January 18, 2007

Visits storm damaged communities, lauds active response.

January 22, 2007

Outlines plan to expand health care access for low-income Missourians.

January 22, 2007

Calls for 100 Technology Classrooms in 100 Schools as part of METS Plan.

January 23, 2007

Announces another significant funding increase planned for education.

January 24, 2007

Outlines bold agenda for health care, education and tax relief in third State of the State Address.

January 26, 2007

Visits Missourians to discuss MO HealthNet replacing the old, broken Medicaid system.

January 31, 2007

Leads charge to improve state’s mental health system, creates Mental Health Transformation Working Group.

February 2, 2007

Secures USDA approval for assistance for farm families affected by ice storms.

February 8, 2007

Signs Utilicare funding bill to provide energy assistance for Missourians.

February 8, 2007

Identifies $19.5 million in savings that can be used to improve state child care program and expand services to nearly 3,400 additional children at no cost to taxpayers.

February 11, 2007

Leads trade mission to Mexico to continue progress towards a Customs Port Facility in Kansas City.

February 15, 2007

Continues advocacy for St. Louis public school students, calls Board of Education’s decision to pursue the option of forming a transitional school district a step forward.

February 16, 2007

Outlines plan to help families struggling with Autism.

February 20, 2007

Launches Missouri Business Portal with Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.

February 20, 2007

Continues work towards Mississippi River Bridge, invites IL officials to meet on plan.

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February 22, 2007

Commends House Resolution to bar state courts from ordering tax increases on Missourians.

February 26, 2007

Urges Congress to continue funding for a program that expands children’s access to health care in Washington D.C. with other governors.

March 1, 2007

Launches “I Know Better” (INOBTR) campaign with U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway to improve Internet safety.

March 1, 2007

Discusses proposal to end the unfair tax on Social Security benefits.

March 1, 2007

Signs Specialist Edward Lee Myers Law.

March 2, 2007

Hosts health care summit with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt.

March 6, 2007

Calls for severe weather drills in all schools after deadly tornadoes.

March 6, 2007

Appoints Judicial Commissioners who understands judicial, legislative roles.

March 6, 2007

Ousts contractor who hired illegal workers, pens executive order to protect Missouri jobs for Missouri workers.

March 7, 2007

Calls MIAC instrumental in the joint investigation that ultimately led to 22 arrests on immigration charges.

March 12, 2007

Expands CCIP, Breakthrough Health Care Program, to Sickle Cell Patients.

March 14, 2007

Honors law enforcement and volunteers involved in Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby rescue.

March 14, 2007

Steps in to protect workers, directs employers to increase base wage for tipped employees.

March 19, 2007

Expands women’s health program, pulls taxpayer funding from abortion providers.

March 19, 2007

Hosts Summit on Health Care Access and Affordability.

March 20, 2007

Visits Jiffy Lube to emphasize the importance of technology in improving Missourians’ health.

March 21, 2007

Charges child care task force to assess progress on foster care reform.

March 22, 2007

National Governors Association names Governor Blunt to national panel created to improve nation’s health care system.

March 22, 2007

Continues advocacy for St. Louis public school students, appoints Rick Sullivan as his representative to the St. Louis Transitional School Board.

March 22, 2007

Signs budget bill to benefit Missouri students, economy, safety, families and agriculture.

March 22, 2007

Signs legislation to provide Missourians greater choice and lower prices for cable services.



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March 22, 2007

Protects employee’s wages, signs Fairness in Public Construction Act.

March 23, 2007

Outlines plan to more than double funding for needs-based scholarships.

March 26, 2007

Advocates for Missouri Boeing workers, agriculture in trade mission to Italy.

March 27, 2007

Missouri Business Portal averages nearly 1,500 visitors a day.

March 28, 2007

Information Technology consolidation marks another $1 million in savings.

March 30, 2007

Directs state agency to develop state-of-the-art access to Medicaid Durable Medical Equipment Program.

April 2, 2007

New laundry system in Corrections saves $500,000 annually, improves energy efficiency and reduces waste.

April 4, 2007

Requests special committee to evaluate 9-1-1 system.

April 11, 2007

Unveils Missouri Mentor Initiative with Lt. Governor Peter Kinder.

April 11, 2007

Honors Missouri’s fallen firefighters, urges passage of Good Samaritan Law.

April 12, 2007

Missouri certifies one millionth hunter.

April 12, 2007

Tests for GPS monitoring systems underway after governor signs tough legislation to stop sex offenders.

April 13, 2007

Announces plans to enter two teams in the St. Louis Marathon.

April 13, 2007

Signs bill protecting Missourians’ right to bear arms.

April 17, 2007

Creates Campus Security Task Force to examine the safety and security at Missouri’s higher education institutions following tragedy at Virginia Tech.

April 18, 2007

Lauds U.S. Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act.

April 19, 2007

Blue Ribbon Panel suggests changes to improve efficiency, transparency at housing agency.

April 19, 2007

Declares statewide Day of Mourning for Virginia Tech tragedy.

April 25, 2007

Expands efforts to improve services for mental health patients.

April 26, 2007

Launches innovative renewable energy project.

April 26, 2007

Calls for comprehensive study of the state’s Second Injury Fund.

April 27, 2007

Cuts ribbon for Thompson Center for Autism.

May 1, 2007

Signs law to help keep shelves stocked at local food pantries.

May 1, 2007

Missouri Supreme Court upholds parental consent law.

May 2, 2007

Appoints Katie Smith as the Director of the Department of Agriculture, the first woman to serve in the position in the department’s history.

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May 7, 2007

Activates State Emergency Operations Center, readies for anticipated flooding.

May 7, 2007

General Assembly finalizes governor’s historic higher education plan.

May 8, 2007

Visits flooded area, meets with local emergency coordinators to ensure emergency resources are reaching those in need.

May 8, 2007

Announces statewide hotlines for assistance, donations for severe flooding.

May 9, 2007

Missouri Virtual Schools opens for registration.

May 11, 2007

General Assembly gives final approval of tax relief to Missouri’s seniors.

May 12, 2007

Surveys mid-Missouri flooding, provides emergency response update.

May 14, 2007

Opens second round of Missouri’s DREAM Initiative.

May 15, 2007

Expands damage assessment request to 16 additional counties.

May 16, 2007

2007 American Business Awards honor Missouri’s Information Technology Consolidation Initiative.

May 17, 2007

Unveils Endangered Person Advisory Program.

May 18, 2007

MO HealthNet passes General Assembly.

May 22, 2007

Administration assists ICE with immigration sting at processing plant in Butterfield, MO.

May 23, 2007

Signs historic higher education plan including Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative.

May 25, 2007

Seeks federal assistance to help Missourians recover from Spring flooding.

May 29, 2007

Signs budget bill that significantly expands health care access for Missourians.

May 30, 2007

Discusses education, economic development with national panel part of Innovation America Task Force.

May 31, 2007

More than doubles the funding for Missouri families facing Autism.

June 1, 2007

Signs legislation enhancing safety measures in Missouri’s long term care facilities.

June 1, 2007

Expands health coverage for Missourians, enacts first tax cut to benefit Missouri families.

June 8, 2007

Signs Good Samaritan Law.

June 11, 2007

Requests that Attorney General Jay Nixon use subpoena power to find sex offenders using social networking sites.

June 12, 2007

Federal disaster declarations for flood victims approved by President.

June 12, 2007

Strengthens opportunities for Missouri disabled workers, increases funding for sheltered workshops.

June 13, 2007

Signs legislation providing tax relief for Missouri manufacturing and research, enacts second tax cut to benefit Missourians.



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June 15, 2007

Provides more than half a billion dollars in new funding to Missouri students and classrooms over the last three years, delivers third major funding increase for education.

June 16, 2007

First Lady leads more than 100 participants in Race for the Cure.

June 18, 2007

Launches Internet site for the Missouri River Lewis and Clark Water Trail.

June 18, 2007

Promotes Missouri as global competitor in aerospace and defense industries at Paris Air Show.

June 19, 2007

Launches grant program to support Math & Science and Health related afterschool programs.

June 20, 2007

Announces Clean Water Initiative to help Missouri communities.

June 21, 2007

Signs bills that further commitment to enhancing the delivery of services for Missouri’s children.

June 21, 2007

Tours Cape Girardeau during state earthquake exercise.

June 25, 2007

Unveils plan to open new Springfield Crime Lab.

June 25, 2007

Celebrates opening of Isabel’s House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks.

June 25, 2007

Signs Green Power Initiative.

June 25, 2007

Expedites extradition decree for Christopher D. Vaughn, who was charged with killing his wife and children in IL.

June 26, 2007

Forms Crime Laboratory Review Commission, enhancing public safety by executive order.

June 26, 2007

Tackles license plate tab theft with new legislation.

June 26, 2007

Signs economic development bill to promote agriculture in Bootheel region, creates the Missouri Rice Advisory Council.

June 27, 2007

Signs third consecutive balanced budget, delivering key funding increases to education among other Missouri priorities.

June 30, 2007

Signs Stolen Valor Act.

July 1, 2007

State begins third fiscal year in a row with balanced budget, starts year with a significant general revenue balance of $753.0 million.

July 2, 2007

Enact MO HealthNet to provide a better health care program for low-income Missourians.

July 2, 2007

Strengthens drunk driving laws, closes blood sample loophole.

July 2, 2007

Signs law to protect the safety of those who help carry out Missouri’s death penalty law.

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July 2, 2007

Awards Internet Cyber Crime Grants to fight Internet predators.

July 3, 2007

Declares state of emergency, activates Guard to help with flooding response.

July 3, 2007

Signs Hunting Heritage Protection Areas Act.

July 3, 2007

Signs “Castle Doctrine” protecting Missourians’ right to defend their families from attack.

July 5, 2007

Ends Social Security cut for thousands of Missouri seniors, enacts third tax cut to benefit Missourians.

July 5, 2007

Seeks federal assistance to help Missourians recover from Summer flooding.

July 5, 2007

Signs Children’s Services Protection Act.

July 6, 2007

Makes Alternatives to Abortion Program permanent, takes action to keep abortion providers like Planned Parenthood out of Missouri’s classrooms.

July 6, 2007

Vetoes giant bill packed with excess spending.

July 11, 2007

Pens executive order putting state check book online, launches Missouri Accountability Portal (MAP).

July 12, 2007

Signs bi-partisan legislation protecting victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse.

July 13, 2007

Signs legislation to create jobs, promote economic development.

July 13, 2007

Signs anti-fraud protections for Missouri home buyers.

July 13, 2007

Signs law making it easier for pharmacists to help patients.

July 13, 2007

Signs law to improve care for infants and children.

July 13, 2007

Enacts law to create new partnerships with faith-based organizations for Missourians in need.

July 13, 2007

Creates new student loan program for animal agriculture.

July 13, 2007

Signs legislation to expand student loan forgiveness for nurses.

July 13, 2007

Supports Missouri’s military heroes with new legislation to support War on Terror Veterans.

July 13, 2007

Signs legislation permanently naming Missouri Department of Agriculture headquarters after George Washington Carver.

July 16, 2007

Signs legislation supporting our military men and women.

July 16, 2007

Signs bill to protect parks from drug distribution.

July 25, 2007

Southern Business and Development magazine gives Missouri and Governor Matt Blunt high marks for job growth and economic development.

July 26, 2007

Tough stance against fraud recovers $2.5 million for taxpayers.



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July 26, 2007

Receives Supreme Court Panel, plans exhaustive interview process.

July 30, 2007

Reiterates strong support for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), urges Missouri’s congressional delegation to reauthorize the program.

August 2, 2007

Directs transportation officials to examine Missouri bridges in wake of tragedy in Minneapolis.

August 2, 2007

Issues expansive questionnaire to Supreme Court Panel.

August 3, 2007

Job Creation Bill passes General Assembly.

August 10, 2007

Calls special session to fast track bridge improvement plan, economic development package.

August 13, 2007

Visits Neosho following deadly church shooting.

August 14, 2007

Establishes cooling centers for citizens struggling with high temperatures.

August 15, 2007

Promotes agriculture & conservation with new hybrid and renewable fuel vehicle for state fleet.

August 16, 2007

Proposes Housing Commission action on illegal immigration.

August 17, 2007

Mental Health Transformation Workgroup seeks public input.

August 17, 2007

Defends pro-life law against threat of lawsuit from Planned Parenthood.

August 18, 2007

Announces partnership to create new state park on Current River, tours area.

August 21, 2007

Unveils Campus Security Task Force recommendations.

August 21, 2007

Supports effort to add e-mails and electronic identities of sexual predators added to sex offender registry.

August 21, 2007

Board of Governors of SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center honors governor as a champion of children.

August 23, 2007

Appoints Property Rights Czar.

August 27, 2007

Outlines tough new initiatives to enforce the laws against illegal immigration.

August 28, 2007

Issues directive to safeguard tax dollars from illegal workers.

August 29, 2007

Announces ten Missouri communities selected for DREAM Initiative.

August 29, 2007

Missouri Sex Offender Registry honored as best in the nation.

August 30, 2007

Immigration directive leads to detention of illegal immigrant in Camden County.

August 30, 2007

Takes action to assist drought-stricken Missouri counties.

August 31, 2007

Comments on misguided Iowa ruling to allow same-sex marriage, reiterates call for Congress to act.

September 4, 2007

Missouri Accountability Portal reaches millionth hit milestone.

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September 4, 2007

Honors Vietnam Veterans with the first commemorative Vietnam Veterans Medallions.

September 5, 2007

Signs Jobs Creation bill.

September 5, 2007

Marks new growth, job opportunities for State Capital with prison demolition.

September 5, 2007

Signs legislation to improve plan to repair or replace 802 Missouri bridges.

September 7, 2007

Declares drought alerts, advisories impacting 88 Missouri counties.

September 7, 2007

Selects Judge Patricia Breckenridge from three-candidate panel to Missouri Supreme Court.

September 7, 2007

Directs Agriculture Department to assist farm families with hay availability.

September 10, 2007 Awards grants for 100 Technology Classrooms in 100 Schools. September 11, 2007 Inaugural Tour of Missouri begins. September 11, 2007 Kicks-off inaugural Tour of Missouri. September 12, 2007 Missouri maintains highest bond rating. September 12, 2007 Unveils Missouri Heritage Properties Program. September 12, 2007 Requests federal aid as a result of the August 19-21 severe weather and flash flooding in southwest Missouri. September 14, 2007 Landmark higher education initiative receives $230 million for students & classrooms. September 14, 2007 Workers’ compensation reform measures help decrease workers’ compensation rates in the state. September 14, 2007 Call for health care transparency delivers benefits for Missouri families. September 17, 2007 Issues executive order to renewed Council on Aging to better assist Missouri seniors. September 18, 2007 Blunt administration receives honor for customer service innovation. September 21, 2007 Directs Missouri National Guard to reinstate bugler program to honor military heroes. September 21, 2007 Celebrates grand opening of the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Health Sciences Building. September 24, 2007 Disaster request approved to help rebuild infrastructure in seven counties from severe weather and flash flooding in August. September 25, 2007 Appoints state’s first Emergency Communications Watchdog. October 1, 2007

Adds information about state tax credits to MAP.

October 2, 2007

Proclaims Sedalia Capital for a Day, offers one-on-one access to state government.

October 4, 2007

Announces new Director of Education and Workforce Innovation position to specifically help Missouri students succeed.



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October 4, 2007

Shines light on businesses breaking sales and withholding tax laws, posts names online.

October 4, 2007

Continues fight to protect Missouri River, stands against intentional soil discharge.

October 4, 2007

DREAM Initiative helps revitalize downtown Hermann.

October 9, 2007

Continues advocacy for St. Louis public school students, meets with his representative on the St. Louis Transitional School Board.

October 10, 2007

Tests Emergency Alert Network, providing innovative approach to school safety.

October 10, 2007

Seeks rapid approval of action to help enforce immigration laws.

October 10, 2007

Creates Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task Force with executive order.

October 10, 2007

Governor Blunt, First Lady light St. Louis Arch pink to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October 12, 2007

Announces official Missouri Poet Laureate position.

October 12, 2007

Calls for funding for Springfield Crime Lab.

October 15, 2007

Landmark higher education initiative distributes first payment to benefit Missouri students.

October 17, 2007

School funding formula withstands judicial test.

October 17, 2007

Calls for funding to protect sexual assault, domestic abuse victims.

October 18, 2007

Activates State Emergency Operations Center, cautions Missourians after deadly tornadoes.

October 19, 2007

Recommends $1 million increase for the Missouri Virtual Instructional Program.

October 21, 2007

Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative leads to new nursing building at East Central College.

October 22, 2007

Calls for a cooperative solution to protect Missouri River interests.

October 22, 2007

MIAC bulletins lead to arrest in copper theft.

October 23, 2007

Announces enhanced notification system to help crime victims.

October 24, 2007

Offers support to prosecutors to enforce laws against illegal immigration.

October 24, 2007

Recommends funding to enhance public safety, support new prison and 300 new jobs.

October 25, 2007

Strengthens Superbug prevention, outreach efforts to protect Missourians.

October 29, 2007

Directs Campus Security Task Force co-chairs to review NWMSU shooting incident.

October 31, 2007

Designates MO HealthNet Oversight Committee.

November 6, 2007

Fitch Report makes Missouri one of six states with three AAA bond ratings.

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November 13, 2007

Names Missourians to the Rural High-Speed Internet Access Task Force.

November 15, 2007

Directs creation of permanent e-mail retention system.

November 15, 2007

Landmark higher education initiative distributes second payment to benefit Missouri students.

November 16, 2007

Missouri Housing Development Commission responds to governor’s call to take action against illegal immigration and safeguard Missouri tax dollars from supporting illegal workers.

November 19, 2007

Announces plan to save anti-meth task forces after Congress eliminates MOSMART program, calls on Congress to Stop Eliminating Anti-Meth Funding.

November 19, 2007

Seeks solutions to stop copper theft.

November 20, 2007

Signs Kansas City Climate Protection Partnership.

November 21, 2007

Creates Missouri Earthquake Insurance Task Force.

November 27, 2007

Urges the Corps to suspend 2008 Spring Rise until Missouri levees are repaired.

November 27, 2007

Class action lawsuit intended to stop Governor Blunt’s plan to send an additional $335 million for students to Missouri’s colleges and universities dismissed.

November 27, 2007

Announces plan, “No Missouri driver licenses for illegals”.

November 28, 2007

Announces $180 million settlement between state and Ameren for Taum Sauk Reservoir disaster.

December 3, 2007

Taum Sauk settlement provides opportunity for new state park along Current River.

December 3, 2007

Establishes Agriculture Resources Coordinator to serve as a liaison between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources.

December 3, 2007

Announces plan to help vulnerable families heat their homes this Winter, Utilicare and LIHEAP.

December 4, 2007

Creates Governor’s Internet Harassment Task Force.

December 5, 2007

Brings one-on-one access, Capital for a Day, to Liberty.

December 7, 2007

Opens Missouri Veterans Gallery in the Missouri State Museum.

December 9, 2007

Initiates emergency response to assist Missourians impacted by severe winter storms.

December 10, 2007

Visits storm-stricken communities.

December 10, 2007

Mobilizes National Guard to Barton County, Columbia.

December 11, 2007

Mobilizes National Guard to Northwest Missouri.

December 11, 2007

Tours area shelters, seeks emergency federal assistance for severe Winter storms.

December 12, 2007

Urges State Tax Commission to stop property tax increase on farmers.



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December 12, 2007

Visits ice storm damage in Northwest Missouri.

December 12, 2007

Secures Federal assistance in response to ice storms.

December 13, 2007

Calls for death penalty for violent sexual predators.

December 14, 2007

Missouri Enterprise Technology Association names governor as the Technology Statesman of the Year.

December 17, 2007

Missourians create 87,900 new jobs since January 2005.

December 17, 2007

Landmark higher education initiative distributes third payment to benefit Missouri students.

December 18, 2007

Launches Education to Workforce Internet Site.

December 18, 2007

Announces funding to expand health services for over 80,000 Missouri women.

December 18, 2007

Gets results with call to stop property tax increase on farmers.

December 19, 2007

Missouri receives high marks on national preparedness report.

December 19, 2007

Signs components Midwestern Governors’ Association Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform.

December 23, 2007

Grants six pardons.

December 28, 2007

Missouri’s Emergency Management Agency program earns full national accreditation and recognition.

December 31, 2007

Adds state employee salaries to Missouri Accountability Portal.

2008 January 1, 2008

Renewable Fuel Standard takes effect.

January 2, 2008

Scholarship increase benefits more than 37,000 students.

January 3, 2008

Unveils plan to promote alternative fuel use.

January 8, 2008

Activates SEMA Operational Center as deadly storm continues.

January 8, 2008

Appoints Walter Bargen as Missouri’s first-ever Poet Laureate.

January 9, 2008

Judge finalizes Taum Sauk settlement.

January 10, 2008

Hosts Governor’s Prayer Breakfast with keynote speaker Father Mike Coleman.

January 10, 2008

Calls for ignition lock devices for repeat drunk drivers as a condition of driver license reinstatement.

January 11, 2008

Less than 1,000 highway deaths recorded in 2007, the lowest since 1993.

January 14, 2008

Budget for 2009 again recommends that a portion of the expected revenue be saved instead of spent.

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January 15, 2008

Delivers fourth State of the State, sets priorities for education, health care access and fighting illegal immigration.

January 15, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes fourth payment to benefit Missouri students.

January 15, 2008

MO HealthNet participants benefit from progress on Health Care Homes.

January 16, 2008

Visits to governor’s MAP Internet site top three million.

January 18, 2008

Fights to block a federal plan that will divert a significant portion of the Missouri River out of its natural channel into North Dakota.

January 22, 2008

With promises fulfilled, announces he will not seek a second term.

January 24, 2008

Seeks federal assistance in wake of winter storm.

January 29, 2008

Designates Children’s Vision Commission.

January 30, 2008

Appoints Missourians to serve on the Comprehensive Entry Point System for Long Term Care committee.

January 30, 2008

Signs legislation enhancing Missouri’s commitment to conservation.

January 30, 2008

Tour of Missouri’s economic impact tops a staggering $26.2 million, as tourists and cycling fans from around the world visited Missouri for the six-day race.

February 1, 2008

Signs Utilicare bill helping Missourians in need with winter heating bills.

February 1, 2008

Brings one-on-one access, Capital for a Day to Farmington.

February 1, 2008

Saves anti-meth task forces, signs MoSMART legislation to fight meth.

February 5, 2008

Secures federal assistance in response to winter storm.

February 7, 2008

Announces plan to end unfair local property tax increases for Missouri homeowners.

February 8, 2008

Lowers flags in honor of Kirkwood shooting victims.

February 12, 2008

DREAM Initiative generates more that $200 million in total investment.

February 12, 2008

Activates state agencies, guard for disaster response.

February 13, 2008

Mobilizes National Guard to support storm recovery.

February 15, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes fifth payment to benefit Missouri students.

February 19, 2008

Expands Missouri Alert Network to colleges and universities.

February 28, 2008

Signs partnership with Illinois to build new Mississippi River bridge.

February 29, 2008

Seeks federal assistance for 18 counties impacted by February storms.

March 6, 2008

Creates Missouri Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.



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March 11, 2008

Missouri Art Education Association awards Otto Bean Art Advocacy Award for Governor Blunt’s commitment to the arts.

March 11, 2008

Accepts Missouri Corn Growers Association President’s Award.

March 11, 2008

First Lady Melanie Blunt hosts First Lady Awards.

March 13, 2008

Secures nearly $4 million for Missouri Veterans’ Homes.

March 13, 2008

Signs bill to fund engineering partnership for university students in Springfield and Rolla.

March 14, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes sixth payment to benefit Missouri students.

March 14, 2008

Brings one-on-one access, Capital for a Day, to Carthage.

March 17, 2008

Immigration directive leads to detention of 202 illegal immigrants since August 2007.

March 18, 2008

Activates state agencies, Guard for disaster response.

March 18, 2008

Works to safeguard Missouri River interests, calls on Corps to cancel Spring Rise.

March 19, 2008

Seeks expedited federal assistance for Missourians in 70 Counties impacted by floods and severe weather.

March 20, 2008

Files legal brief supporting death penalty for violent sexual predators.

March 20, 2008

Announces expedited federal assistance for 70 counties approved.

March 24, 2008

Helps lead bipartisan trade mission to China.

March 25, 2008

State hits record pace for tax returns processed, refunds issued.

March 26, 2008

Governor Blunt, China’s Investment Promotion Agency and Trade Development Bureau sign agreement to promote Missouri trade.

March 27, 2008

Governor Blunt, St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay and St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley sign aviation agreement with China to consider St. Louis as Hub for new trade route.

April 1, 2008

Activates state agencies following severe weather including high winds, hail, tornadoes, flash flooding, and flooding.

April 1, 2008

Visits to governor’s accountability Internet site top five million.

April 3, 2008

Establishes multi-agency coordination center to help with flood efforts.

April 9, 2008

Missouri Pharmacy Association presents the Legislative Leadership Award to Governor Matt Blunt.

April 9, 2008

Announces 47 Missouri counties approved for disaster public assistance for March flooding.

April 11, 2008

Brings one-on-one access, Capital for a Day, to St. Charles.

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Leadership, Vision, Change

April 12, 2008

National Conference of State Legislatures reports Missouri is one of only 13 states projecting stable or optimistic revenue outlooks for 2009.

April 15, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes seventh payment to benefit Missouri students.

April 18, 2008

Leads first of six roundtable discussions with education and business leaders throughout the state.

April 22, 2008

Signs bill delivering funding to make critical repairs for Missouri Governor’s Mansion.

April 24, 2008

Missourians respond big to governor’s request to become organ donors.

April 24, 2008

Lawsuit reform achieves big dividends.

April 28, 2008

Governor Blunt again named Top 10 People Who Made a Difference by Southern Business and Development Magazine.

April 29, 2008

Announces new resource to assist expectant mothers, reduce abortion.

April 30, 2008

Extends executive orders in response to March flooding, prepares for more severe storms.

May 1, 2008

Signs legislation bringing career professionals into Missouri classrooms.

May 2, 2008

Activates state agencies, works to ensure safety of Missouri families.

May 2, 2008

Lawsuit reform is curbing abuse by trial lawyers.

May 6, 2008

Governor Blunt’s budgets increase education funding by $1.2 billion over four years.

May 8, 2008

Announces opening of 2008 DREAM Initiative.

May 11, 2008

Activates state agencies and National Guard to support recovery efforts from deadly tornadoes.

May 12, 2008

Proactive immigration directive leads to detention of 250 illegal immigrants since August 2007.

May 12, 2008

Visits tornado ravaged southwest Missouri.

May 15, 2008

Katy Trail State Park inducted into Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.

May 15, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes eighth payment to benefit Missouri students.

May 16, 2008

Stands up for traditional marriage following California ruling.

May 16, 2008

Signs law to making money available for classrooms.

May 16, 2008

Seeks two federal declarations for Missourians impacted by May tornadoes.

May 19, 2008

Directs state agencies to continue catastrophic earthquake planning.

May 21, 2008

Takes action, signs law, to help law enforcement track down metal thieves.



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May 22, 2008

Brings one-on-one access, Capital for a Day, to Branson.

May 28, 2008

Announces USS MISSOURI Commissioning Committee.

May 29, 2008

Breaks ground for new health and science facility at North Central Missouri College made possible by the landmark higher education package.

May 30, 2008

Americans for Prosperity Foundation honors governor with an award for his work to lower taxes and promote economic prosperity in Missouri.

June 2, 2008

Embarks on Show-Me Tourism Tour with First Lady Melanie Blunt and son William Branch.

June 4, 2008

Access Missouri Scholarship program distributes more than $72 Million to students.

June 4, 2008

Marks anniversary of Corps of Discovery with dedication of Lewis and Clark Trailhead Monument on Show-Me Tourism Tour.

June 5, 2008

Signs legislation encouraging donations for breast cancer services.

June 6, 2008

Signs “Ethan’s Law” to enhance water park, pool safety.

June 6, 2008

Signs legislation benefiting Missouri’s farmers and ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive in Missouri.

June 6, 2008

Signs legislation expanding opportunity and encouraging economic growth in Willard.

June 9, 2008

National watch group ranks Missouri legal climate 10 spots higher following Governor Blunt’s lawsuit reform.

June 10, 2008

Signs legislation to track potential meth manufacturers.

June 11, 2008

Signs legislation to improve access to education for Missouri military families.

June 11, 2008

Signs legislation to protect homeowners from unscrupulous mortgage practices.

June 11, 2008

Signs premier economic development bill, positions state to build on job growth.

June 11, 2008

Signs two State of Emergency executive orders in response to severe weather systems.

June 12, 2008

Announces expanded access to health insurance coverage.

June 13, 2008

Faith-Based Initiative offers tools to better prepare Missouri for emergency response with first symposium in a series of symposia across the state.

June 16, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes ninth payment to benefit Missouri students.

June 17, 2008

MAP honored with American Business Award.

June 18, 2008

Visits State Emergency Operations Center, monitors flood levels and state response.

June 18, 2008

Calls out nearly 700 National Guardsmen and women to help battle flood.

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June 19, 2008

Directs $2.3 million to higher education, calls for funds to enhance economic development.

June 19, 2008

Enacts law to improve response to emergencies.

June 19, 2008

Signs legislation requiring that flags flown on state property be American made.

June 20, 2008

Assesses Mississippi River flooding.

June 23, 2008

Receives 2008 National Award for State Arts Leadership at the 76th Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors.

June 23, 2008

Eases state mandates to protect access to emergency care.

June 25, 2008

First Lady Melanie Blunt hosts A Luncheon with the First Ladies.

June 25, 2008

Announces expedited major disaster declaration for 22 Missouri counties.

June 26, 2008

Signs legislation to improve employment laws, safeguard jobs.

June 26, 2008

Signs legislation reaffirming Missouri’s support for the Second Amendment.

June 26, 2008

Kicks off repairs critical to Missouri Governor’s Mansion with First Lady.

June 26, 2008

Signs legislation supporting local law enforcement.

June 27, 2008

Signs responsible budget that will benefit Missouri families, supports their values, lives within the taxpayers’ means and reflects their priorities.

June 27, 2008

Assesses Winfield levee breach, Mississippi River flooding, visits with Missourians hit hardest.

June 27, 2008

Delivers $1.2 Billion increase for Missouri students over four budgets.

June 27, 2008

Signs legislation expanding access to higher education for Missouri students.

June 30, 2008

Takes actions to protect Missourians from identity theft.

June 30, 2008

Signs legislation helping to improve the lives of Missourians living with Autism.

June 30, 2008

Enacts legislation to safeguard Missourians from Internet harassment.

June 30, 2008

Signs legislation requiring sexual predators to register e-mail addresses.

June 30, 2008

Secures funding for new State Crime Lab in Springfield.

July 1, 2008

State begins fourth fiscal year in a row with balanced budget, starts year with a significant general revenue balance of $835.8 million.

July 1, 2008

Signs legislation recognizing community colleges’ important role in higher education.

July 2, 2008

Missouri’s Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health receives federal approval.

July 2, 2008

Takes action to end unfair local property tax increases for Missouri homeowners.

July 2, 2008

Signs legislation for safer and cleaner Missouri water.



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July 3, 2008

Signs tough drunk driving legislation requiring repeat offenders to install ignition interlock devices.

July 3, 2008

Signs law that lowers the legal intoxication limit from .1 of one percent to .08 of one percent to improve watercraft safety.

July 7, 2008

Tours community devastated by Mississippi River flood with Secretary Chertoff.

July 8, 2008

Signs legislation protecting Missouri families, tax dollars from illegal immigration.

July 9, 2008

Alliance for Life-Missouri, Inc. honors governor with an award.

July 10, 2008

Enacts Show-Me Green Tax Holiday.

July 10, 2008

Signs legislation guaranteeing that all Missouri public schools students will have access to the A+ Schools Program.

July 11, 2008

Signs most extensive deregulation of voice over Internet protocol service in the nation.

July 11, 2008

Signs first in the nation life-saving measure for heart attack and stroke patients.

July 11, 2008

Signs legislation making it easier for Missourians to become organ donors.

July 14, 2008

Leads trade mission to discuss opportunities available in Missouri for international trade and partnerships.

July 14, 2008

New Internet application for MO HealthNet is now available.

July 15, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes tenth payment to benefit Missouri students.

July 16, 2008

Missouri reports both revenue growth and new savings while other states see red.

July 16, 2008

Nine other states join Missouri in new education compact for military children.

July 23, 2008

Announces assistance for 30 counties impacted by June floods.

July 23, 2008

Forms state-federal flood recovery steering committee.

July 24, 2008

Administrative Hearing Commission provides Missourians’ online access to cases.

July 25, 2008

Promotes Missouri’s biotechnology sector during trade mission.

July 28, 2008

Directs action to safeguard against feral hogs.

July 29, 2008

Moves forward to better protect vulnerable Missourians from abuse and neglect.

August 1, 2008

Faith-Based Initiative offers tools to better prepare Missouri for emergency response with sixth symposium.

August 1, 2008

Ball State University’s Bureau of Business Research ranks Missouri as the best state in the country for manufacturing and logistics.

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Leadership, Vision, Change

August 1, 2008

Faith-Based Initiative hosts three symposiums to engage faith communities in ongoing efforts to prepare for emergency response.

August 6, 2008

Signs legislation designed to protect important children’s programs from red tape and to expand adoptive families’ access to special services when needed.

August 6, 2008

Seeks federal assistance for 23 counties for July severe weather, floods.

August 6, 2008

Cuts ribbon for new Chillicothe Correctional Center, a project envisioned and secured under his leadership.

August 9, 2008

Discusses initiatives to build a highly skilled workforce at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Southern Governors Association.

August 12, 2008

Forms Missouri Aging Out Task Force.

August 13, 2008

Governor’s Accountability Internet site surpasses 10 million hits.

August 15, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes eleventh payment to benefit Missouri students.

August 20, 2008

Continues advocacy for St. Louis public school students in meeting with Rick Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the Special Administrative Board of the Transitional School District of the City of St. Louis.

August 20, 2008

Energy review begins as part of Missouri’s successful application to be included in Greening the State Capitols Initiative.

August 21, 2008

Showcases innovative green project to save energy, heat Missouri prison.

August 21, 2008

Receives panel of three Supreme Court candidates as presented by the Appellate Judicial Commission.

August 25, 2008

New driver license showcases Organ Donor Registry.

August 30, 2008

Sends over 500 Missouri National Guardsmen and women to Louisiana for Hurricane Gustav response, announces shelters.

September 1, 2008

Expands Missouri’s National Guard support in Louisiana to nearly 1,300.

September 8, 2008

Kicks-off second Tour of Missouri.

September 9, 2008

Homeland Security K-12 Safe Schools Working Group helps Missouri schools remove dangerous chemicals.

September 9, 2008

U.S. Census reports Missouri uninsured declines by 43,000 largest drop in 8 years; household income also gains.

September 9, 2008

Receives Building A Greater Kansas City Award.

September 11, 2008 Announces 2008 DREAM Communities. September 14, 2008 Deploys Missouri National Guard Team to Texas for Hurricane Ike recovery efforts.



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September 15, 2008 Landmark higher education initiative distributes twelfth payment to benefit Missouri students. September 15, 2008 Visits Missouri Troops in Kosovo. September 15, 2008 National Council on Compensation Insurance indicates workers’ compensation reform measures enacted by Governor Blunt in 2005 helped decrease workers’ compensation rates in Missouri by nearly 8 percent. September 18, 2008 Commemorates Missouri’s role in Civil War with new historic site at location of Battle of Island Mound. September 18, 2008 Launches Heroes at Home. September 19, 2008 eMINTS/METS Classrooms Grant Initiative awards $1 million to benefit 50 classrooms. September 22, 2008 Three hundred illegal immigrants detained in Missouri since governor’s directive. September 25, 2008 Directives on state vehicles land $15 million in reimbursement savings for taxpayers. September 25, 2008 Proclaims Macon Capital for a Day, offers one-on-one access to state government. October 1, 2008

Launches Energy Tour; showcases alternative energy partnership to save taxpayers money.

October 1, 2008

Governor Blunt, First Lady light St. Louis Arch pink to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October 3, 2008

Inks agreement with ICE to combat illegal immigration.

October 6, 2008

Automotive Fleet Magazine bumps Missouri’s alternative fuel use ranking from 59th in 2007 to 12th in 2008 thanks to Governor Blunt’s innovative policies to increase the use of the alternative fuel vehicles in the state vehicle fleet.

October 9, 2008

Launches new Internet portal to assist Missourians with questions about disability resources.

October 10, 2008

Secures $3 Million funding increase for Arts, solidifies Missouri’s place among national leaders.

October 14, 2008

2008 Tour of Missouri boasts economic impact of $29.8 million.

October 15, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes tenth payment to benefit Missouri students.

October 15, 2008

Selects Judge Zel Fischer from three person panel to serve on the Missouri Supreme Court.

October 16, 2008

Assigns Mental Health Division new name, removes “mental retardation” from title.

October 21, 2008

Signs executive order establishing the Complete Count Committee.

October 23, 2008

Signs order to prepare for Pandemic Emergency.

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October 23, 2008

Opens new state-of-the-art Troop C headquarters for the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

October 24, 2008

Celebrates new opportunity for State Capital with groundbreaking for Federal Courthouse.

November 10, 2008

Visits with Japanese Businesses in New York to promote Missouri.

November 12, 2008

Calls on Corps to reconsider ill-advised spring rise, advocates for Missouri River interests.

November 13, 2008

Signs executive order that will both protect the environment and promote Missouri tourism.

November 13, 2008

Announces September flooding disaster declarations approved.

November 14, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes thirteenth payment to benefit Missouri students.

November 19, 2008

Launches new energy tax break, certification for home energy auditors.

November 21, 2008

Missouri Statewide Disaster Responder Notification System operational.

November 24, 2008

Signs historic bistate water agreement with Governor Mike Beebe of Arkansas.

November 24, 2008

First phase of restoration efforts and repairs at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion completed.

November 26, 2008

Responsible budgeting carries Rainy Day Fund to $555 million.

December 12, 2008

Unveils new program to provide mental health care for families of veterans.

December 15, 2008

Landmark higher education initiative distributes fourteenth payment to benefit Missouri students.

December 15, 2008

Participates in Ribbon Cutting for new State Crime Lab in Springfield.

December 15, 2008

Marks start of Katy Trail connector to Kansas City.

December 15, 2008

Finalizes Missouri’s electoral vote for President.

December 16, 2008

Missourians create 70,800 new jobs since January 2005.

December 22, 2008

Releases Earthquake Insurance Task Force Report.

December 24, 2008

Grants four pardons and allows parole hearing.

2009 January 2, 2009

Urges next governor and General Assembly not to go back to the education cuts of the past. Warns against attempts to divert Proposition A gaming money away from education.

January 8, 2009

Hosts Governor’s Prayer Breakfast with keynote speaker U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Catherine Hanaway.

January 12, 2009

Term as governor ends.



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