Backer gone from Employment Security

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Gracia Yancey Backer is out as head of the state’s Employment Security Division.

A reporter calling her office Tuesday was told she no longer worked for the agency.

When asked if Backer had been released or had resigned, Gov. Jay Nixon’s spokesman Scott Holste said the governor’s office “won’t be able to comment to that extent on personnel matters.”

Backer did not answer calls to her New Bloomfield home seeking a comment for this story.

A Democrat, Backer headed the Employment Security Division from 2001-05 in Gov. Bob Holden’s administration, and returned to the post after Nixon became governor in 2009.

Employment Security is a division of the state Labor and Industrial Relations department, and Backer’s departure comes at the same time Nixon announced that Lawrence G. Rebman, the department director, was named an administrative law judge in Kansas City for the Worker’s Compensation division.

“This move will enable Larry to continue serving the people of Missouri in an important position, while letting him return to his hometown,” Nixon said Monday, in a news release. “I greatly appreciate what he has accomplished as a public servant so far, and take satisfaction in knowing that record will continue.”

The governor named Julie Gibson, Workforce Development Division director since March 2009, as the Labor department’s interim director.

Amy Susan, the Labor department’s spokeswoman, didn’t respond to an e-mail asking for a comment on Backer’s situation.

Backer represented most of Callaway County in the state House of Representatives from 1983-2000.

She was majority floor leader in the 1997-98 General Assembly — the highest-ranking woman leader in House history, until Catherine Hanaway, R-Warson Woods, became House speaker in 2001.

Backer ran for lieutenant governor in the 2000 Democratic primary, but lost to state Sen. Joe Maxwell, D-Mexico, in a three-person race.

More like this story

mia 2 months ago

As much as I loved Gracia....I had a beef about some things she did. The brainchild program where she sent the unemployed people to a two year college was one of them. I watched as someone bled that dry. They even allowed payment for mileage to and from the school. Not good, especially when it doesn't pan out.

vorpalrbit 2 months ago

Gracia is a liberal blow hard. Really hard to believe Callaway County put her in office for so long. I'm sure her mouth got her in trouble, she was so full of herself. Nixon is ridding his administration of liabilities for a presidential or VP run. DOR is next with the CCW mess created there.

connor 2 months ago

It was the good ol days when being a Democrat didn't automatically mean Liberal, White Male hating, entitlement junkie and many a rural Democrat could still vote for the traditional party of their family for generations without cutting their own throats in the process.

She wouldn't stand a snowballs chance in a toaster oven today.

jcmoguy 2 months ago

Say what you wish about Gracia, she had a long and distinguished career serving the people of this state. I'll remind you, well behaved women rarely make history. When all is said and done her good deeds and dedication are what I remember. I was a state employee for many years, and to say she was never a thorn in anyone's side would not be the truth either, but she did her job and in my opinion did it well. I hope she will stay involved.

nbresident 1 month, 4 weeks ago

Have watched this climb the ladder fame. It was not for the people but for Gracia Fame. If you noticed any time there is going to be TV coverage of any kind for any event guess who is in the picture. If you pull up any web site with her name attached there will be at least 3 to 6 posed smiling photos of Gracia. But when you are so important, you must stay in the spot light. Ever wonder why there has not been any news coverage regarding this issue? Ask the news media. They would also like to know why there is no information available. Wonder why?

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