After nearly a month away from the Capitol, lawmakers returned this week to discuss and debate two important funding measures. We worked quickly to pass the supplemental budget bill for the rest of the current fiscal year, and we passed legislation that reauthorizes the state’s Federal Reimbursement Allowance Program (FRA).
House Bill 2014 funds varying parts of state government through June 30. Because of the COVID-19 virus’ effects on our country, the federal government has stepped in and passed a broad-based relief bill, commonly known as the CARES Act. Missouri’s share of these funds are addressed in this supplemental measure. It helps employers, and others, continue to function through these rough times. All told, the supplemental budget authorizes more than $6 billion in spending, the vast majority of that money coming from the federal government.
House Bill 2456, known as the FRA bill, enables the state to use the taxes that are levied on pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, ambulances and developmental disability services to draw down federal matches and offset the cost of MO HealthNet, or Medicaid, to our state.
As for what the future holds for the 2020 legislative session, I believe no one is quite sure. The situation changes from day to day. Right now, everyone’s concern is with flattening the curve and getting back to regular life. With only a little more than a month remaining in the 2020 legislative session, our only constitutional obligation is to pass a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2021. I will keep you updated on all legislative actions taken over the course of these remaining weeks.
Also, my husband, John and I hope you have an enjoyable Easter. It will certainly be memorable, if nothing else, and a reminder of God’s grace and presence. This is the time when we pull together for the greater good and work toward a better tomorrow.
I am honored to serve as your senator in the Missouri Senate. If, at any time, you have questions, concerns or ideas regarding state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-8793 or Sandy.Crawford@senate.mo.gov.
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