Missouri governor signs executive orders to streamline, improve government services
JEFFERSON CITY – Executive orders signed by Gov. Jay Nixon in February have been before the General Assembly for more than sixty days and will now go into effect on August 28. The three executive orders are part of the Governor’s ongoing initiative to increase efficiency and effectiveness. The Governor’s Chief of Staff John Watson and Director of Policy Jeff Harris are continuing to lead a review of government organization and efficiency.
“We are committed to maintaining strict fiscal discipline by streamlining and improving government services for the people of Missouri,” Gov. Nixon said. “Through innovation and determination, we have cut down on our energy use, done away with unnecessary boards and commissions, eliminated nearly 420,000 square feet of leased space and made accessing hundreds of services easier by putting them online. My team, led by my Chief of Staff John Watson and Director of Policy Jeff Harris, will continue this important work to make state government smarter and smaller.”
The three executive orders that will go into effect on Aug. 28 are:
Executive Order 13-01 transfers the Center for Emergency Response and Terrorism (CERT) from the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and assigns those responsibilities to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The Center for Emergency Response and Terrorism (CERT) works to ensure that plans and systems are in place to protect Missourians during man-made and natural disasters. Transferring CERT to DPS will enhance public safety and improve emergency response coordination. DHSS will continue its leadership role in ensuring the safety of the state’s food supply, which includes alerting the public to food recalls and safety notices, managing the testing of potential sources of food borne illnesses and coordinating with local public health agencies to ensure the safety of food at restaurants and retail outlets.
“By combining and coordinating our emergency response teams, we will ensure that people who work together during disasters have the opportunity to prepare and train together as well,” Gov. Nixon said.
Executive Order 13-02 transfers post-issuance compliance functions for tax credit and economic incentive programs from the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) and assigns those responsibilities and functions to the Department of Revenue (DOR). DED will remain the agency responsible for awarding economic and community betterment tax credits.
“Making sure that recipients of tax credit and economic incentive programs are compliant with state tax laws is a natural fit for the Department of Revenue,” Gov. Nixon said. “This will also allow the Department of Economic Development to stay focused on its core mission of creating jobs and growing our economy.”
Executive Order 13-03 transfers the Division of Energy from the Department of Natural Resources and assigns it to the Department of Economic Development. The Division of Energy is responsible for promoting energy efficiency and security through policy development, research and educational outreach.
“More than 22,500 Missourians are employed in the energy sector, and businesses come to Missouri, in part, because of our low energy costs,” Gov. Nixon said. “Energy is an important part of the Missouri economy, and transferring the Division of Energy to the Department of Economic Development will ensure the continued development of affordable, secure, and diverse energy sources for Missouri families and businesses.”
To read the full text of these executive orders, please visit MO.gov.
