Oversight for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services comes from the director, who is responsible for management of the department and the administration of its programs and services. The deputy department director assists the director in the management of the department and acts for the director in his or her absence. The divisions of Administration, Community and Public Health, Regulation and Licensure, and Senior and Disability Services; and the offices of Human Resources, Public Information, General Counsel, Governmental Policy and Legislation, report to the director and deputy department director.
A State Board of Health and a State Board of Senior Services advise the director regarding the priorities, policies and programs of the department and review rules promulgated by the department. The boards each consist of seven members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Missouri Senate.
The Division of Administration provides a variety of support services for the Director’s Office and the programmatic divisions of the department. Services include budget administration; grant and contract administration; accounting and procurement functions; internal audit; maintenance of the inventory of physical assets; warehouse, delivery and mailroom services; and building lease management.
The Division of Community and Public Health is responsible for supporting and operating more than 100 programs and offices addressing public health issues such as communicable disease control, chronic disease management, genetic health conditions, cancer, pregnancy, vital statistics, oral health and health care access. The division also assures the continuity of essential public health services to women, minorities and those living in rural areas.
The Center for Emergency Response and Terrorism is responsible for coordinating regional and state preparedness for public health emergencies and natural disasters, including biological, chemical and nuclear terrorism. Through partnerships with hospitals and other health care organizations, local entities including government and first responder agencies, and other partners, the center works to assure systems are in place to protect the health of Missourians during a public health emergency.
The Center for Local Public Health Services works to strengthen Missouri’s public health system of 114 local public health agencies. It provides leadership, training and technical assistance to those agencies, communities, not-for-profit organizations and other health-related key stakeholders regarding the development of processes that improve community-based public health systems.
The Section for Chronic Disease Prevention and Nutrition Services directs statewide programs that are designed to prevent and control chronic diseases for all Missourians and support the nutritional health of high-risk populations. The section provides leadership in assessment, planning and policy development and implementation of evidence-based approaches to prevent and control cancer and chronic diseases, the leading causes of death in Missouri. In addition, the section administers statewide programs that provide food assistance and nutrition services, early screening and detection, and health promotion interventions to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases (e.g., tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor diets). These programs are managed through the Bureau of Cancer and Chronic Disease Control; Bureau of Health Promotion; Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance; and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Nutrition Services.
The Section for Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology is the principal section involved in the investigation of the cause, origin, and method of transmission of communicable (or infectious) diseases and environmentally related medical conditions. The interrelated services focus on surveillance of diseases and the environment, upon which appropriate prevention and control interventions are based, including responses to disease outbreak situations. Included are specific responsibilities related to immunizations, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, other communicable diseases, food and water-borne illnesses, zoonoses (diseases that humans contract from animals), emerging infections such as SARS, Monkeypox, and West Nile Virus, food safety and protection, environmentally related health hazards (such as elevated blood lead levels) and hazardous substance control. The section also provides key environmental services that regulate or license lodging facilities, onsite sewage systems, lead removal contractor training and licensing, frozen dessert licensing, food processing and retail food protection, as well as sanitation inspections of child care facilities. The primary units are the bureaus of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention; Environmental Epidemiology; Environmental Regulations and Licensure; Immunization Assessment and Assurance; HIV, STD and Hepatitis; and the Office of Veterinary Public Health.
The Section for Epidemiology for Public Health Practice promotes a better understanding of health problems and needs in Missouri and assists the division in many functions including initiation and maintenance of surveillance systems, data management and reporting; collection of birth and death information; coordination of specific grants; public information dissemination; and fiscal services. The section also issues certified copies of Missouri birth and death records. These support services are available through the offices of Epidemiology, Community Health Information; and the bureaus of Health Informatics, and Vital Records.
The Section for Healthy Families and Youth promotes optimal health by providing leadership to both the public and private sectors in assessing health care needs of families and communities and assuring that the health system responds appropriately. This section is also responsible for developing policy; planning systems of care; and designing, implementing and evaluating programs to meet the health care needs of families in the state of Missouri. The primary units are the bureaus of Genetics and Healthy Childhood, and Special Health Care Needs.
The State Public Health Laboratory provides testing services in the fields of newborn screening, chemistry, environmental bacteriology, microbiology, serology and virology. Each year, the laboratory performs more than 5 million tests (many required by law). It is the only Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Laboratory Response Network laboratory in Missouri. The laboratory is also responsible for approving methods and instruments and issuing permits to qualified individuals to perform tests used to enforce Missouri’s law prohibiting driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
The Division of Regulation and Licensure has responsibility for a spectrum of services for Missouri citizens from child care to elder issues, as well as the Family Care Safety Registry, the Board of Nursing Home Administrators, and the Certificate of Need program.
The Section for Health Standards and Licensure is responsible for assuring that the care and services provided by hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, home health agencies, hospices, ambulance services, emergency medical technicians, persons who prescribe or dispense controlled substances, end stage renal dialysis facilities, and other types of health care facilities meet state and Medicare/Medicaid standards. Periodic licensure surveys and complaint investigations are also performed as part of the section’s authority.
The Section for Long-Term Care Regulation is responsible for conducting state inspections and federal surveys, and for investigating complaints regarding long-term care facilities. The section also conducts the federal participation survey of habilitative facilities servicing clients diagnosed with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities who participate in the Medicaid program. The section oversees the Pre-Admission Screening and Annual Resident Review (PASARR) process, provides construction plan review services to health care facilities regarding new construction and extensive remodeling projects, and maintains the level one medication aide register, certified medication technician register and the federally mandated nurse assistant register.
The Division of Senior and Disability Services is the designated State Unit on Aging, carrying out the mandates of the State of Missouri regarding programs and services for seniors. The division is responsible for the development and implementation of programs designed to protect seniors and adults with disabilities and for the administration of an integrated system of care for eligible adults that require long-term care. In coordination with the department director, the division director, deputy division director and financial office advise legislators, advocates, state agencies and other organizations and individuals regarding services and data available to support this function.
The Section for Adult Protective and Community Services investigates reports of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation and provides crisis intervention and Adult Protective Services for eligible adults (age 18 and over) who are determined to be unable or unwilling to provide or access services needed to meet their daily needs. Additionally, the section provides oversight to Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services that are authorized on behalf of adults choosing to receive long-term care in the home or community. The section administers programs designed to maximize independence and safety for adults who choose to remain independent in the community by accessing state and federal community-based programs.
The Central Registry Unit (CRU) maintains the statewide toll-free telephone number (800-392-0210) for reporting alleged abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of persons age 60 and older and adults with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 59. Reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation include those living in a community setting (such as a private residence or apartment), as well as those residing in state licensed long-term care facilities (such as a nursing home or a residential care facility). The CRU also registers reports from other care settings such as hospitals, on services delivered through state-contracted in-home service providers, home health agencies, and hospice programs. The Missouri Shared Care Tax Credit registry is also maintained at CRU.
The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for facility residents, has responsibility for complaint resolution on behalf of facility residents, educates and trains staff, consumers and community partners on issues related to long-term facility care, and manages volunteer ombudsmen serving in facilities across the state.
The Bureau of Senior Programs is responsible for oversight of programs authorized and funded through the Older Americans Act. The Bureau is responsible for collaboration and coordination of programs within various state agencies and local communities as necessary to set policy and integrate state and federal goals for seniors within Missouri with emphasis on programs that enable seniors to maximize independence and safety in the community. Program implementation is administered by Area Agencies on Aging who are responsible for ensuring that federal funding is allocated in a manner that reflects the needs of seniors within each of the ten planning and service areas.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the administrative arm of the State Board of Education. It is primarily a service agency that works with educators, legislators, government agencies, community leaders and citizens to maintain a strong public education system. Through its statewide school-improvement activities and regulatory functions, the Department strives to assure that all citizens have access to high-quality public education. DESE does not regulate, monitor or accredit private, parochial or home schools.
The Department’s responsibilities range from early childhood to adult education services. The Department employs about 1,700 people throughout the state and has a total budget of about $5.4 billion. About 96 percent of the budget consists of state and federal funds that are distributed to local school districts and other agencies.
The Commissioner of Education directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and fulfills other duties as prescribed by law (Section 161.122, RSMo). The law states that the Commissioner shall “seek in every way to elevate the standards and efficiency of the instruction given in the public schools of the state.”
In addition to the Commissioner of Education, the department organization reflects functions under two divisions, Financial and Administrative Services and Learning Services.
This division is responsible for distributing all federal and state funds to local school districts and other agencies that provide education-related services. The division assists local school officials with budgeting, audits, and the reporting of financial statistics, both state and federal. The division also provides assistance with school administrative and governance issues. Other personnel in this division administer the federally-funded school lunch and breakfast programs. This division also manages the department’s internal business operations, such as accounting and procurement, budget, and human resources.
This division is responsible for all of the department’s activities related to educational success of students, educators, and schools. The division includes offices which manage quality schools, college- and career-readiness, special education, educator quality, early and extended learning, adult learning and rehabilitative services, and the data system management.
The Office of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation Services administers statewide veterans education services.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides specialized services to adult citizens with disabilities to help them achieve employment and independence. Offices are maintained across the state to provide convenient services to clients. Rehabilitation Services personnel provide individualized counseling, training and other services to help clients achieve gainful employment or independent living. Rehabilitation Services is supported primarily with federal funds. The office currently funds Independent Living Centers across the state. These centers provide counseling, advocacy, personal care, and training in independent living skills for adults with disabilities. The Disability Determinations program is part of this office and operates under regulations of the Social Security Administration. Located in offices across the state, Disability Determinations personnel adjudicate claims from Missouri residents seeking federal disability benefits.
The Office of Childhood is responsible for overseeing the department’s efforts to expand and improve high-quality early learning opportunities for children birth to age five, as well as, providing afterschool programs for school-age children. Programs administered through this office include early intervention, early childhood special education, home visiting, child care subsidy, and afterschool.
The office is responsible for policies and procedures related to quality incentives, such as the early learning standards and the quality assurance report pilot that supports educators in using best practices for young children and families. The office also provides various professional development opportunities to promote safe and quality early care and education environments through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program.
The office is responsible for conducting state inspections and investigating complaints at licensed family child care homes, group child care homes, and child care centers. Staff in the office also conduct health and safety inspections at licensed-exempt child care facilities (e.g., religious based programs, nursing schools).
An important initiative for this office is the Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five, a three-year grant aimed at coordinating a more effective, high-quality early learning system that better prepares Missouri children for success. The department is the lead agency for the grant and works closely with other state agencies and organizations, including Children’s Trust Fund, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, and the Missouri Head Start State Collaboration Office.
The Office of College and Career Readiness provides technical assistance to local school personnel in the adoption and adaptation of the state’s performance standards, and curriculum development/adoption of all content areas — math, science, social studies, English/communication arts, health/physical education, fine arts; as well as the career and technical content areas of agriculture, food and natural resources; business, marketing and information technology; family consumer sciences and human services; and technology, health and skilled technical sciences; and school counseling. This office also assists schools and career centers with the administration of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and Missouri career and technical student organizations. In addition, this office is responsible for the development and oversight of the Missouri Assessment Program, consisting of the annual, grade-level assessments for grades 3 – 8 and the end-of-course high school assessments, as well as the administration of NAEP (National Assessment on Educational Progress). The office hosts the statewide adult education services as well, including adult education and literacy and the high school equivalency-testing program.
The Office of Data System Management collects, analyzes and reports education-related data through the department’s Web Applications system. Those collection and reporting systems include the Missouri Comprehensive Data System (MCDS), Missouri Student Information System (MOSIS), Core Data, User Manager and EdFacts federal reporting. The MCDS Portal maintains a P-20 longitudinal data system utilized for tracking and research of student progress and achievement, postsecondary and workforce preparation, adult learning and GED/HiSET completers, etc. In addition, the office collects and generates data to meet federal reporting requirements and compliance, as well as provide data utilized in research and analysis that impacts policy decision-making.
The Office of Educator Quality is responsible for evaluating educator preparation programs offered by Missouri’s higher education institutions. The Office of Educator Quality also issues certificates (licenses) to all professional personnel who work in the state’s public school systems, as well as assisting with the review of certificate-holders who are charged with misconduct. This office is responsible for development of innovative professional development programs for educators (teachers and administrators) at the state level. It also assists in the development of teacher, principal and administrator standards, as well as development of evaluation models for school personnel.
A primary function of the Office of Quality Schools is to manage the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP), the state’s accreditation system for public school districts. This office also administers a wide range of state- and federally-funded programs that assist local schools (Title I, Title III and other federal programs), charter and other innovative schools, as well as developing a statewide system of support for schools, communities and families. Schools also are provided assistance on federal and state-developed improvement initiatives which are coordinated with other state and regional services.
The Office of Special Education administers state and federal funds to support services for students and adults with disabilities. The office works with local school districts in developing and improving special education services for students (ages 3-21) with disabilities. It also provides financial and technical support for all approved sheltered workshops in the state. Sheltered workshops provide employment for adults with disabilities. This office also oversees the operation of three school systems administered by the State Board of Education. These are the Missouri School for the Blind, the Missouri School for the Deaf and the Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled. Through their outreach programs and consulting services, these school systems assist local school personnel and families throughout the state in meeting the needs of children with disabilities.
The Department of Conservation is guided by a four (4)-member commission appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The commission is charged with the control, management, restoration, conservation and regulation of the bird, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state. The commission appoints a director who serves as the administrative officer of the Department of Conservation.
Principal sources of revenue are derived from the sale of hunting and fishing permits, the dedicated conservation sales tax of one-eighth of one percent, and revenue from administration of forest, fish and wildlife resources. Substantial funding is made available on a matching basis through the federal government and is applied primarily to acquisition, development, research and forest fire control. Department structure is broken down into two functions-Administration (support services) and Field (resource management and enforcement), each managed by a deputy director.
Administration contains the divisions of Administrative Services, Human Resources and Outreach and Education. Administrative Services administers the department’s support services of: information technology which provides direction and management of the department’s information technology assets; design and development which administers the department’s construction/development program; and, business and support which conducts the department’s financial operations, building and grounds services, fleet management, aircraft, marine; and other mechanical equipment. Human Resources recruits employees; maintains programs for personnel records, benefits, compensation, workers’ compensation and safety programs; as well as in-service training in human relations, personal communications and supervisory skills. Outreach and Education administers the department’s public information and education programs.
Field contains the divisions of Fisheries, Forestry, Private Land Services, Protection, Science and Wildlife. Fisheries manages lakes, reservoirs and streams for public fishing; conducts water pollution impact investigations and an ongoing research program to measure fish populations and trends; determines limiting factors and develops better management techniques. Forestry controls forest fires; provides rural fire protection training and assistance; planning advice in urban and community forestry, forest insect and disease surveys; provides advice and assistance to private timber landowners; conducts research on forest management topics; and provides low cost tree planting stock to Missouri residents. Private Land Services provides technical assistance and resource training to private landowners; provides cost-share assistance to landowners with priority resource needs; and provides wildlife damage control assistance. Protection carries out the department’s wildlife law enforcement program. The division also provides training in the safe and responsible use of firearms, with emphasis on ethics and property rights of others, and develops and operates recreational shooting ranges. Science Division is the center of the department’s resource inventory, monitoring, and research. The division helps department area, regional, and issue managers understand and conserve the biological diversity of Missouri’s fish, forests, and wildlife. Wildlife administers hunting seasons; assists private landowners with wildlife habitat efforts; conducts research to provide current information on the status of wildlife populations, develops improved management methods and promotes preservation and enhancement of wildlife habitat.
Information about hunting in Missouri conservation areas.
Like Missouri agriculture, the duties of the Missouri Department of Agriculture are diverse. The department has the challenge of protecting the state’s producers, processors, distributors and consumers of food, fuel and fiber, while marketing Missouri products at home and abroad. The department administers programs that prevent livestock disease, monitor commercial transactions involving weighing or metering devices, regulate grain storage and inspection, establish rules for labeling and using farm chemicals, control plant pests and oversee feed and seed sales. Other department programs range from licensing and inspecting livestock markets to educating youth in agriculture through scholarships, loans and career programs.
The director of agriculture determines department policy and provides a representative voice on a broad range of issues affecting Missouri farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and agriculture policy-makers. The director oversees certain aspects of the State Milk Board and the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority and is a standing member of the Missouri State Fair Commission. The fair provides educational, competitive and recreational opportunities while exhibiting all aspects of Missouri agriculture: livestock, row crops, fruits and vegetables, farm equipment and machinery, and arts and crafts.
The Agriculture Business Development Division helps develop Missouri’s agriculture-based businesses and industries and helps create demand for products raised and processed in Missouri. The division provides business counseling, information and training on a sector-by-sector basis and works with key players such as universities, associations, private sector partners and federal and state agencies to facilitate the growth of each sector. The division also works to increase consumer awareness and sales of Missouri agricultural products, and is home to the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), which provides a variety of financial programs for farmers and agribusinesses.
The Market News Program works to position the department as a state and national leader in providing information and outreach services to both agriculture and non-agriculture audiences. The division provides the educational resources and market information to improve the overall viability, public knowledge, and acceptance of agriculture in Missouri, resulting in a better image and understanding of the industry statewide.
The Animal Health Division administers programs to control, eradicate and test for livestock diseases. The division also inspects and licenses livestock markets and commercial pet dealers and breeders. Livestock brands are registered with this division.
The Grain Inspection and Warehousing Division inspects, grades and weighs grain stored in or moved through terminals in Missouri. The division licenses and bonds grain dealers and warehouses in Missouri, and works to ensure the overall quality, condition and weight of grain being bought or sold.
The Plant Industries Division works to prevent the spread of harmful insects and plant diseases, certifies and licenses commercial and private pesticide applicators and dealers, assures quality and label accuracy of commercial feeds and seeds, and inspects fresh fruits and vegetables to assure quality and grade. Weights and Measures Division provides protective services to consumers and businesses. The division inspects commercial weighing and metering devices, administers regulations related to fuel quality, inspects eggs for grade, size, origin and packaging and ensures milk is not sold under cost.
The Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division maintains surveillance of commercial weighing and measuring devices. The division promotes uniformity in weights and measures laws, regulations, and standards to achieve equity between buyers and sellers in the marketplace and thereby enhance consumer confidence, enable Missouri businesses to compete fairly at home and abroad, and strengthen the state and U.S. economies. The division’s programs are operated in accordance with national and international standards. The division works in conjunction with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and is a member of the National Conference on Weights and Measures, ASTM International, and the National Fire Protection Association. Weights and Measures Division provides protective services to consumers and businesses. The division inspects commercial weighing and metering devices, administers regulations related to fuel quality, inspects eggs for grade, size, origin and packaging and ensures milk is not sold under cost.
The Missouri State Fair Commission works to communicate the story of Missouri agriculture and the Missouri State Fair in ways that appeal to the state’s citizens as the diversity of agriculture within the state and the Fair’s diversity continue to grow.
Dating back to 1901, the Missouri State Fair is among the state’s oldest and most tradition-rich events for summer family fun.
The State Milk Board administers Missouri’s Grade A and manufacturing milk inspection programs.
The Missouri Wine and Grape Board (MWGB) is funded by a twelve cents-per-gallon tax on wine sales. The board coordinates marketing and public relations activities with wine wholesalers, restaurant operators, retailers, and the public. Its goals are to strengthen interest in, and patronage of, our state’s grape, grape juice, and wine industry. It also underwrites the Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture & Enology (ICCVE) in its work with winemakers and grape growers developing grape varieties suitable for Missouri.
The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority makes capital available to Missouri farmers, particularly independent producers; agribusiness; and small business at competitive interest rates on a scale to make a major impact.
The Office of Administration is the service and administrative control agency created by the General Assembly to combine and coordinate the central management functions of state government.
The chief administrative officer is the Commissioner of Administration who is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Office of Administration provides central services and support to all other state agencies as detailed below.
The Administrative Hearing Commission conducts prehearing conferences and full evidentiary hearings throughout Missouri, making findings of fact and conclusions of law relating to licensing, tax, and medical provider disputes.
The Division of Accounting is responsible for operation of the statewide accounting and payroll systems and is the custodian of the official accounting records of the state. The division prepares payments, publishes annual financial reports, administers bond sales for the Board of Fund Commissioners and Board of Public Buildings, and administers the social security coverage for state political subdivisions.
The Division of Budget and Planning is the central point to assist state agencies, the commissioner of administration, and the governor in preparing and overseeing an efficient and effective overall plan for the state’s financial resources.
The Information Technology Services Division is the central point for providing data processing and state telecommunications services for the executive branch of state government.
The Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction is responsible for the maintenance and operation of state-owned buildings and grounds throughout the state. The division is responsible for the preparation of the leasing budget for the entire state and for oversight of the leasing program. Staff of the division provide design services, space analysis, project management, energy management and mechanical services. The division is responsible for the preparation of the state’s capital improvement program and budget, inventory and condition assessment of all state-owned land and facilities, contracting for and managing capital improvement projects for state agencies.
The Division of General Services provides management services to the state departments including printing, vehicle maintenance, risk management and fleet management; and administers the state and federal surplus property programs and the state recycling programs. The division also provides staff support for the Missouri State Employees Charitable Campaign, and the Missouri Public Entities Risk Management Fund.
The Division of Personnel administers the Missouri Merit System and the Uniform Classification and Pay System (about 45,000 employees). Additional responsibilities in all agencies include management training, labor relations, productivity and quality improvement, employee leave benefits, and consultative services.
The Division of Purchasing is responsible for the procurement of equipment, supplies, general and professional services for most agencies of state government.
The Office of the Commissioner is responsible for the Office of Equal Opportunity, which assists state agencies in employment and contracting of historically underutilized individuals, and monitoring progress in promoting and ensuring equal opportunity within state government through employment, provision of services, and operation of facilities.
The attorney general’s office was created in 1806 when Missouri was part of the Louisiana Territory. Missouri’s first constitution (1820) provided for an appointed attorney general. Since the 1865 constitution, the attorney general has been elected.
The attorney general is the attorney for the state. He represents the legal interests of Missouri and its people as a group, but cannot represent individual citizens in private legal actions.
As the state’s chief legal officer, the attorney general must prosecute or defend all appeals to which the state is a party, including every felony criminal case which is appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court and courts of appeal. He also is required to institute, in the name and on behalf of the state, all civil suits and other proceedings that are necessary to protect the state’s rights, interests or claims. He also may appear, interplead, answer or defend any proceedings in which the state’s interests are involved, or appear on behalf of the state in declaratory judgment proceedings when the constitutionality of a statute is challenged.
The attorney general renders official opinions to the General Assembly, the governor, secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, the heads of the various state departments and the circuit or prosecuting attorneys on questions of law relating to their duties.
The attorney general may institute quo warranto proceedings to oust any corporation from doing business in Missouri if it has abused its franchise or has violated the state’s laws. He also may institute quo warranto proceedings against any person unlawfully holding any office or move to oust any public official for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in office.
He is a member of the Board of Fund Commissioners, Board of Public Buildings, the Governor’s Committee on Interstate Cooperation, the Missouri Highway Reciprocity Commission and the Missouri Housing Development Commission. He serves as chairman of the Governor’s Crime Commission.
In order to fulfill these and other responsibilities, the attorney general has organized his office into eight divisions: Litigation, Consumer Protection, Governmental Affairs, Environmental Protection, Criminal Appeals, Governmental and Financial Entities, Labor, and Public Safety.
The state treasurer serves as Missouri’s chief banking and investing officer. The state treasurer directs the state’s banking services, and oversees Missouri’s state investment portfolio. In addition, the state treasurer safeguards over $1.5 billion of unclaimed property that has been turned over to the state. Moreover, the state treasurer administers multiple programs including the Education Savings Program (MOST 529), the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MO Scholars), the Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (MO ABLE), and the linked deposit program for small businesses and farmers (MO BUCK$). The State Treasurer is one of six statewide elected officials, and serves a term of four years. A person may only serve as State Treasurer for two full terms.
The state treasurer is custodian of state funds and funds received from the United States government. Upon receipt of state and federal funds, the state treasurer ensures the moneys are deposited in selected banking institutions approved by the governor and the state auditor. Moneys not needed for current expenses are invested through various arrangements as provided by law. The state treasurer prepares, maintains and adheres to a written investment policy which includes an asset allocation plan limiting the total amount of state money which may be invested in each category authorized.
The state treasurer is responsible for safe guarding and returning Missourians’ Unclaimed Property. Each year, financial institutions, businesses, government agencies and other organizations turn over millions of dollars in cash and other property to the state treasurer’s office. Currently, over $1.5 billion in unclaimed assets are held by the state. Through various efforts, the state treasurer creates public awareness of unclaimed property held by the state and works to return assets held to rightful owners. Individuals can search for unclaimed property via the web at ShowMeMoney.com.
Established in 1999, the Missouri Education Program (MOST 529) assists Missouri families save for the cost of education and training, K-12 tuition, registered apprenticeships, trade or vocational schools, two to four-year colleges or universities, and graduate school. In addition, these tax-advantaged investment accounts may be used for qualifying expenses such as books, supplies, room and board, and computer equipment. The beneficiary can be changed at any time, provided that the new beneficiary is an eligible family member of the original beneficiary. Missourians are also eligible for a state tax deduction.
In 2021, the Missouri General Assembly established the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program. The MOScholars program provides options for eligible families to seek and receive alternative educational services to meet their specific educational needs. State tax credits are awarded to individuals and businesses who make eligible contributions to an approved, non-profit Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). EAO’s provide scholarships for qualifying students participating in the MOScholars program. Each EAO establishes and maintains relationships with eligible schools where scholarship funds may be used.
In December 2014, the United States Congress passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. With the passage of the federal ABLE Act, the Missouri General Assembly in 2015 passed legislation creating the Missouri version of the ABLE Act, which is known as MO ABLE. Eligible Missourians with disabilities have the opportunity to open an investment account and save money without losing eligibility for other benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Earnings from these accounts are not subject to federal and state income tax when spent on qualified expenses.
In 1986, the Missouri General Assembly created the linked-deposit loan program, which is known as MO BUCK$. The State Treasurer’s Office deposits funds with an approved borrower’s qualified banking institution at a below-market interest rate. Lowering the market rate on deposits permits lenders to pass along a 30 percent interest rate deduction on the borrower’s loan. As a result, the MO BUCK$ program provides an economic boost to the Missouri economy. This linked-deposit loan program primarily serves Missouri farmers and ranchers as well as small business owners.
The state treasurer is a member of several boards, commissions, and trusts in the state.
The state auditor’s office determines if tax dollars are spent efficiently, economically and legally, and how well public funds are protected from potential fraud or abuse. The audits are categorized into five types: state government, performance, petition, county and special county audits. State government audits cover state agencies, boards and commissions, statewide elected officials, the legislature, the state’s financial statements and federal awards expended by the state. Performance audits analyze if various state programs or agencies achieve desired results and are run in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
The state auditor also reviews the state’s municipal and circuit courts, 90 of the state’s 114 counties, and can be petitioned by citizens to audit local political subdivisions. All audits are conducted in an impartial, nonpartisan manner and according to government auditing standards issued by the United States General Accounting Office. In addition to the primary auditing duties, the state auditor registers all general obligation bonds and ensures tax rates levied by political subdivisions comply with state law.
The Secretary of State oversees numerous diverse programs and responsibilities affecting Missouri citizens. The office is comprised of 7 divisions and maintains offices in the State Capitol, the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center (JCKSIC) and has branch offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield.
The Secretary of State is the chief elections official in Missouri, bearing responsibility for administration of statewide elections involving both issues and individuals, and oversees local verification of petition signatures for initiative petitions. The Secretary of State’s Commissions section authenticates official acts of the governor, and has the authority to appoint and commission notaries public.
The Office of the Secretary of State is a clearinghouse of information. The State Archives preserves and makes available in several formats, including the Internet, historic documents for use by researchers. This includes thousands of inquiries annually from genealogists. The Records Management program provides for state agencies to store and retrieve inactive files at the (JCKSIC). A companion Local Records program assists county and municipal governments in processing and safeguarding their important documents. The Publications section produces a number of useful books and periodicals, including the Official Manual, the state Constitution, and rosters of the General Assembly and state, county and district officers. The Administrative Rules section publishes the revisions to the Code of State Regulations monthly, which lists rules and regulations promulgated by state agencies, and the bi-monthly Missouri Register.
The Missouri State Library was created in 1946 as an independent agency with a board appointed by the governor. The major functions of the State Library are to provide direct library and information service in support of the executive and legislative branches of Missouri state government, to provide library service to blind and physically handicapped residents of Missouri and to promote the development and improvement of library services throughout the state. In July 1993, the State Library, including the Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, was placed under the supervision of the Secretary of State.
Registration of businesses is another vital duty of the Secretary of State. The Corporations section handles the incorporation and reports for some 190,000 businesses licensed to do business in Missouri. Perfecting liens on business loans is the responsibility of the Uniform Commercial Code section, which receives some 137,000 filings each year. The Securities Division protects Missouri investors from fraud by reviewing proposed securities offerings and registering broker-dealers, agents and investment advisors.
The lieutenant governor of the State of Missouri is elected for a four-year term and is subject to re-election with no limit as to number of terms. The lieutenant governor is elected separate from the governor and runs independently rather than as a team. Upon the death, conviction, impeachment, failure to qualify, resignation or other disabilities, the powers, duties and emoluments of the governor devolve upon the lieutenant governor until the end of his or her term or until the disabilities of the governor are removed.
Under the Missouri Constitution, the lieutenant governor is ex-officio president of the Missouri Senate. State statute designates the lieutenant governor as the official Elderly Advocate for the State of Missouri and thus responsible for ensuring advocacy for and assistance to Missouri’s senior citizens. The office of the lieutenant governor also provides a state ombudsman’s service directing constituent questions or concerns to the appropriate state agencies.
The lieutenant governor also serves on the following boards and commissions by state statute: an advisor to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on early childhood education; Board of Fund Commissioners; Board of Public Buildings; Missouri Development Finance Board; Missouri Housing Development Commission; Missouri Rural Economic Development Council; Missouri SeniorRx Program, Chairman; Missouri Tourism Commission, Vice-Chairman; Second State Capitol Commission; Special Health, Psychological, and Social Needs of Minority Older Individuals Commission; Tobacco Authority.
