Helping All Missourians Live with Dignity
On Wednesday, Feb. 13, the Missouri Senate Seniors, Families and Children Committee discussed legislation intended to help low-income individuals receive hearing aids. Senate Bill 101 creates the Statewide Hearing Aid Distribution Fund. This fund will be administered by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and it will provide financial assistance for individuals at or below the federal poverty level to obtain hearing aids. Under the program, individuals must be assessed for need by a licensed physician, audiologist or a hearing instrument specialist before receiving their hearing aids.
In 2018, officials estimated that 600,000 Missourians were considered deaf or hard of hearing. I believe this legislation has the ability to help countless Missourians who suffer from a loss of hearing to live a more comfortable life. The cost of a hearing aid should not stand in the way of an individual being able to live, work and raise a family. As the state senator whose district includes the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, I am proud to sponsor this important piece of legislation. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this life-changing issue, and I firmly believe it has the potential to improve the lives of numerous Missourians.
Visitors from the 10th Senatorial District
From left to right: Sam Benhardt, State President; Alex Gambill, State Sergeant of Arms; Abby Daw, State Vice-President; and their advisor, Drew Demanuele.
It is an honor to be your state senator and my door is always open to your concerns, questions or comments. Please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-2757 or visit my web page at www.senate.mo.gov/riddle.