The Missouri Rx Prescription Drug Program, or Mo RX for short, was created a number of years ago to provide prescription drug benefits to more than 200,000 low income and disabled seniors in Missouri. It’s intended to supplement Medicare Part D plans, so that seniors are able to fully afford the medications if the Medicare payment doesn’t cover all of it.

The program has been an incredibly successful in helping low-income and disabled seniors receive the medicine they need. Unfortunately, the Mo RX program is scheduled to expire in August of this year. If allowed to lapse, hundreds of thousands of seniors who depend on this program would be forced to either find extra money in what are already tight budgets, or simply do without the medicine they need.

Neither is acceptable. We have a duty to care for the most vulnerable among us, especially elderly men and women who have worked hard their entire lives and deserve to spend their golden years with the medicine they need to maintain their health. 

This week, the Missouri Senate approved Senate Bill 754, which extends the Mo RX Drug Prescription Program another three years, until 2017. The legislation was heavily supported by members on both sides of the aisle, who recognize the critical role this program plays in the health of our citizens.

Keeping with the health of Missourians, we also passed another measure that would allow pregnancy resource centers and food pantries to receive more funding by encouraging charitable donations from taxpayers. As we discussed last year, benevolent tax credit programs offer citizens a tax liability reduction based on donations to certain charities. They are a way to encourage communities to support the organizations that offer help to local citizens.

Last year, a number of these credits were set to expire. We passed legislation, which the governor signed, extending the sunset on what most see as a wonderful, cost-effective way to offer valuable services to Missourians.

While we managed to secure the future of these programs, funding is still an issue. Demand has never been greater, especially at Pregnancy Resource Centers, which offer guidance, emotional support, and often provide expectant mothers with baby clothes, car seats, and other must-have items, and Food Pantries, which do an admirable job of keeping families from going without food. Both of these programs are commendable and a great example of how government can work with citizens to help those in need in our state.

To ensure these two tax credit programs can continue carrying out their important missions, we approved Senate Bill 638 this week. The legislation increases the cap on each program by $500,000. The legislation also expands the Youth Opportunities Tax Credit to allow donations to programs that provide food for school age children to eat during non-school hours. I was proud to support the legislation, and I’m hopeful it reaches the governor’s desk.

In other news, I was honored to be named the recipient of the American Legion, Department of Missouri’s Senator of the Year Award for 2014. This wonderful organization support veterans who fought bravely for their country. Members are highly involved in their local communities and offer a number of scholarships. I’m humbled to be recognized by such an august group. I look forward to continue working on veterans’ issues during my time in the Senate.

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write me at Wayne Wallingford, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email at wayne.wallingford@senate.mo.gov or www.senate.mo.gov/wallingford.