Returning to the Capitol
After several weeks away as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, Missouri House and Senate leadership announced plans for state lawmakers to return to the State Capitol to continue the 2020 legislative session.
The General Assembly is now slated to reconvene on Monday, April 27. Lawmakers previously returned to the Capitol on April 7 and 8 to pass a supplemental budget bill. This spending proposal authorized billions of dollars of federal aid to help schools, hospitals, nursing homes and first responders; however, this latest return to the Capitol will likely last until the end of the legislative session. Returning to session on April 27 gives the General Assembly three weeks to conduct its business before the session ends on May 15. Lawmakers have until May 8 to pass a balanced state operating budget for the 2021 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2020.
When we return to the building, members of the General Assembly will be asked to adhere to social distancing practices, and committee hearings and legislative proceedings will remain open to the public. Members of the public will also be encouraged to practice social distancing in the building, as well as participate in the legislative process electronically when possible.
While further details are still pending about what the remainder of session will look like because of the coronavirus, I look forward to returning to the Capitol to continue with the important work I was elected to carry out. As we prepare to return to the Capitol, please know that my staff and I are still available to serve you and respond to your needs and requests during these difficult times. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you and stay safe.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573) 751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.