Missouri Health Director Resigns As Confirmation Was Unlikely

After a lack of Senate Confirmation, Missouri Health Director Don Kauerauf has resigned.

Kauerauf was appointed to the position last fall by Governor Mike Parson but needed official Senate Confirmation. A group of Republican Senators, including Lakes Area Senator Mike Moon, openly opposed his nomination because of his support of masking and COVID-19 Vaccines, though Kauerauf has stated his is against mandating those items but does support their use in battling the pandemic. Moon also took issue with his stance on Abortion though Kauerauf had a stated position of Pro-Life. 

With the senate leaving early due to the impending snowstorm, there is no chance of Kauerauf being confirmed to the post, so he resigned late Tuesday. 

Parson has appointed Richard Moore as acting Director of the Health and Senior Services. 

More details on the story from Ozarks First Capital Reporter Emily Manley can be found at the Ozarks First Website.