The governor called on lawmakers to reduce government regulations and boost pay for some state employees. At the same time, Greitens said he's also committed to "civil service reform" for state employees. He said that could include a smaller workforce in state government.
He also urged lawmakers to adopt a right-to-work law, barring mandatory union fees. He said it could help improve the business climate in the state.
But Senate Minority Leader Gina Walsh denounced right-to-work during the Democratic rebuttal speech. She said it could mean less money, less health coverage and less opportunity for workers.
"This legislation divides Missouri and distracts lawmakers from more important tasks like balancing the budget, funding our schools and ensuring safe communities across the state," Walsh said.
The governor, though, said it's a move to stay competitive and keep jobs in Missouri.
"Since 2009, the country has had 10% private sector job growth. If we had grown just as fast as the rest of the country since '09, we would have 120,000 more jobs in Missouri today," Greitens said.
In the past few years, former Governor Jay Nixon vetoed right to work laws that hit his desk. With the new governor wanting to push it through and Republicans controlling both sides of the chamber, the legislation will likely pass this year.
