A not-for-profit group originally established to fund Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s 2021 inauguration has donated $150,000 to the political action committee Uniting Missouri, which helped elect Parson. Parson, who is leaving office due to term limits, has stated he has no plans to run for public office again. The origin of the donation is unclear as Moving Missouri Forward Inc., the donor, is not required to disclose its donors. The donation was not generated by sales of a biography of Parson called “No Turnin’ Back” that the group also funded. The book proceeds go to the Moving Missouri Forward Foundation, headed by First Lady Teresa Parson and Claudia Kehoe.
Uniting Missouri PAC, headed by Tom Burcham, has supported candidates endorsed by Parson and also funded his trips to watch the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl. Burcham also heads the 57 Foundation Inc., created to support vulnerable Missourians in alignment with Parson’s public service legacy. The Moving Missouri Forward donation to Uniting Missouri marks the close of fundraising for Parson and will now fund Kehoe’s inauguration.
As a 501(c)(4) entity, Moving Missouri Forward is not required to disclose its donors but must report revenues and expenses annually. Additionally, the Moving Missouri Forward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity, supports programs for Missouri children, including Jobs for America’s Graduates-Missouri. The Parsons have been involved with JAG-Missouri since Mike Parson was elected lieutenant governor in 2016.
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