Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 17, 2014
Senate Continues Work on Medicaid Reform

On Thursday morning, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee conducted a hearing on Senate Bill 739, legislation I’m sponsoring this year to reform MO HealthNet, Missouri’s Medicaid program. Over the last two years, our state’s Medicaid system has been at the center of numerous debates, from the sustainability of the program to the quality of the care it provides.

Last year, the Senate established an interim committee to examine Medicaid in Missouri and find ways to improve what is an overwhelmed and underfinanced health care program. Every year we spend more and more as a state to provide Medicaid coverage to Missourians, yet the quality and efficiency of those services have not improved. Changes must be made.

Over the interim, the committee heard testimony from dozens of individuals and groups on ways we can improve our Medicaid program. Senate Bill 739 is based on many of the ideas brought up in the committee. The legislation contains innovative solutions to our Medicaid system’s numerous problems. The bill would provide high-quality health care to Missourians, while keeping those services fiscally responsible and accountable to taxpayers.

There was not enough time to hear all of the witness testimony on this far-reaching measure. The committee will meet again next week to continue considering the legislative proposal. This is a huge issue, and we need to take our time as we weigh all sides.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 19, which would extend the dissolution date of the Missouri Lead Industry Employment, Economic Development and Environmental Remediation Task Force has passed the Senate and moves to the House.   I look forward to continuing our work on this task force. I truly believe bringing back the lead industry is an incredible economic opportunity for our state.

My staff and I enjoyed meeting with many constituent advocacy groups this week, including the Missouri Coalition of Community Mental Health Centers; the SEMO Family Violence Council; and the Missouri School Boards Association.  Also, the Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois and Washington county’s University of Missouri Extension Council members, including John Robinson and Delores Howard, came by my office.  Thanks to everyone for making the trip to Jefferson City. 

Sen. Romine’s Sponsored Legislation for 2014

Bill Number

Description

Status

Senate Bill 638

Raises the fiscal year cap on the Pregnancy Resources Center Tax Credit from
$2 million to $2.5 million.

Voted do pass by the Senate Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee.

Senate Bill 642

Modifies provisions relating to proposed surface mining operations.

Hearing conducted in the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee.

Senate Bill 729

Creates a tax credit for donations to Innovation Campuses.

Placed on Senate Consent Calendar for future debate.    

Senate Bill 739

Modifies provisions relating to the MO HealthNet program.

Hearing conducted in the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee; hearing will continue next week.

Senate Bill 782 Allows an individual with certification from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence to obtain teacher certification in elementary education. Referred to the Senate Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee.  
Senate Bill 783 Establishes the priority of real property security instruments over other interests, liens and encumbrances.

Referred to the Senate Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee. 

Senate Bill 784 Makes a technical change to a statute about anatomical gifts, such as organ donation. Referred to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and Health Committee.
Senate Bill 800 Authorizes the governor to convey state property to the City of Farmington. Referred to the Senate Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 19

Extends the dissolution date of the Missouri Lead Industry Employment, Economic Development and Environmental Remediation Task Force.

Voted do pass by the Senate Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee.

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4008. You may write me at Gary Romine, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or email me at gary.romine@senate.mo.gov; or www.senate.mo.gov/romine.