Wednesday, April 8, 2020
General Assembly Passes $6 Billion COVID-19 Relief Package
Today, the General Assembly passed a supplemental budget aimed at authorizing $6 billion in federal and state resources to combat COVID-19 in our state.
House Bill 2014 will provide immediate funding to our state’s departments and agencies as they combat the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant part of this legislation provides authorization for the state to spend federal funds received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the CARES Act.
Here are some examples of where the funding is going and how it will be used to help our state respond to the COVID-19 crisis:
- $1 billion to local governments;
- $1 billion for the state to purchase personal protection equipment;
- $90 million for nursing homes;
- $35 million for local organizations serving seniors;
- $20 million in funding for child care;
- $11 million in funding for the Missouri National Guard;
- $4.5 million for rural primary care and health care;
- Hazard pay for state employees, such as corrections officers and state hospital employees, who are working in critical areas of our state; and
- Additional funding authority for schools and colleges.
I believe HB 2014 provides crucial funding to our state’s departments and agencies, and I am hopeful that these funds will be a “game changer” when it comes to our state’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Their services are vitally important for many Missourians, especially during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
