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Missouri’s new governor tells state lawmakers that his administration will be built on merit and that they will not support DEI programs in state government. Governor Mike Kehoe (R) made his comments during his first State of the State address on Tuesday in Jefferson City. The governor also addressed state employee pay. Governor Kehoe says the average turnover rate in state government is 20 percent, adding that makes it difficult for state departments and agencies to operate efficiently. He's unveiled a $130-million pay increase plan for state employees, which would increase pay for Jefferson City’s 14,000 state employees and state employees across Missouri. He says his plan provides funding to support a one percent salary increase for every two years of service, up to ten percent for all state employees. Governor Kehoe is also proposing more than $700,000 in additional support for Missouri’s child abuse and neglect hotline to reduce average call handling times and improve customer service. State Sen. Mary E