JEFFERSON CITY 鈥 Gov. Mike Parson鈥檚 legislative budget director has left the administration to launch a lobbying firm.
Alex Tuttle, who has been in the post for the past two years, filed paperwork with the Missouri Ethics Commission Tuesday to open his own shop, marking the latest top adviser to depart as Parson enters the final year of his tenure.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a goal of mine for a long time to get into lobbying,鈥 Tuttle said Wednesday. 鈥淚鈥檝e enjoyed all of my time at the state, but my kids are getting older and the hours are long.鈥
Earlier this month, Missouri Department of Corrections Director Anne Precythe retired after more than six years at the helm of the state鈥檚 sprawling prison system. Parson鈥檚 economic development chief left in June.
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Both agencies are being headed by acting directors.
In addition, the governor鈥檚 top aide in filling boards and commission posts also has moved on.
A spokesman for Parson confirmed Tuttle鈥檚 Dec. 22 departure, which comes as the Legislature is poised to begin its annual session Jan. 3.
鈥淲e will make an announcement regarding his replacement in the near future,鈥 Johnathan Shiflett said.
Tuttle鈥檚 new position may come with some limitations on whom he can lobby.
Under an executive order signed by Parson in 2018, Tuttle is barred from lobbying the executive branch until Parson鈥檚 term in office expires in January 2025. He would still be permitted to lobby the Missouri Legislature, which has been his primary role under Parson.
As the governor鈥檚 legislative liaison, Tuttle was often seen roaming the House and Senate hallways as negotiations over various bills and funding initiatives were being hashed out behind closed doors.
Prior to serving as Parson鈥檚 director of governmental policy and legislation, Tuttle was the liaison for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for nearly three years.
He also served as a budget analyst for the Missouri Senate for 12 years.
In his new role, Tuttle said he hopes to focus on budget and health care issues. He currently lists no clients.