Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Gov. Jay Nixon today issued his annual Thanksgiving message: 

“On this 150th anniversary of President Lincoln first proclaiming a national day of Thanksgiving, the First Lady and I join millions of other Missouri families in pausing to give thanks for our many blessings.

“This Thanksgiving, as we appreciate the reasons for the abundance we enjoy, we must also remember that because of the courage and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, we live in a country and a state that are strong, secure and free. Many of them won’t be able to join their own families this holiday season, because they are serving our country in places around the world. We ask that God protect those brave men and women, just as they are protecting us.

“I hope that as you sit down to dinner this Thanksgiving, you will join our family in taking time to thank our Creator for the blessings we enjoy each day. Georganne and I wish you and your loved ones, and all Missourians, a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving.” 

State offices will also be closed by law on Thanksgiving. Nixon issued an executive order closing state offices the Friday after Thanksgiving.

For many years, a four-day holiday weekend was the norm in Missouri government, but Nixon kept state offices open on the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2010 and 2011, citing budget concerns.

Holidays have cost the state money because some employees who must work — such as prison guards — have been able to choose whether to claim extra time off or accept holiday bonus pay.

Nixon says the budget has improved enough to give employees the extra day off. He also extended the Thanksgiving break last year.