Last week, the House approved its version of the $27.1 billion budget. Now that it has passed the other chamber, the Senate Appropriations Committee, on which I sit, is examining the proposals and will make its own recommendations.
During these meetings, we have heard the need for more funding from multiple agencies. Unfortunately, our ability to fund state priorities is being hampered by the astronomical cost of Medicaid. Just this year, MO HealthNet is asking for more than $400 million, the total of all general revenue growth.
We’re facing an unsustainable situation, with one in six Missourians now using government-funded healthcare. It is critical we find a way to drive down the cost of this program before it strangles our funding of other priorities, such as education and job-creation projects.
Once the Senate has approved its version of the budget, the two chambers will meet to discuss the differences and hash out the final version.
The cost of welfare spending now takes up one-third of our state’s budget. Costs are reduced when best practice care is provided in a timely and coordinated fashion. The Senate has approved measures that aim to reduce costs, like Senate Bill 608, which authorizes MO HealthNet health care providers to charge a minimal fee for missed appointments and will create an emergency room co-pay system. Senate Bill 607 will help reduce fraud and abuse in Missouri’s welfare system. Senate Bill 875 removes barriers to lower cost of prescription drugs and ensures patient safety. Other bills will help improve access to health care especially in rural areas. Senate Bill 621 will allow for doctors to practice remotely via a computer or telephone connection, otherwise known as telehealth.
We are also moving forward on ethics reform. Our goal this session has also been to tackle ethics one step at a time to make sure we get focused and substantive ethics bills across the finish line. House Bill 1979 (revolving door) imposes a one session rule for lobbying by former members of the General Assembly, by former statewide elected officials, and by former holders of an office that required Senate confirmation. House Bill 1983 specifies that no statewide elected official or member of the General Assembly shall serve as a paid political consultant. House Bill 2203 changes the laws regarding the investment of campaign funds. House Bill 2203 will curb corruption of campaign funds.
Visitors this week include: Craig Easter, Jack McGruder, Ted Shepard, Sherry Jones, Kevin Roberts, Barbara Hayden, Richard Fordyce, Mark Wolfe, Wendy Faulconer, Aaron & Gloria Miller, Morgan Simpson, Greg Bird, Brad Turner, Joey Graves, and Chris Thompson.