Legislative Update for April 10, 2020
The Legislature reconvened for two days this week in order to review and vote on two very important budget bills. Very few people entered the Capitol on those days, and all who did enter were screened for potential exposure or symptoms of COVID-19.
On Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard the details, and discussed in great length, two budget related bills. House Bill 2456, or the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) bill, is reauthorized each year by the Legislature to enable 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 Medicaid to our state.
The committee also discussed the components of House Bill 2014, which is this year’s supplemental spending bill. This bill includes federal funding for the COVID-19 response and relief efforts in Missouri. The supplemental budget authorizes more than $6 billion in spending, the vast majority of that money coming from the federal government’s relief package. On Wednesday, the Senate passed both pieces of legislation; later that day, the House of Representatives agreed to the Senate’s changes to HB 2014. Following the day’s legislative activities, both bills now await the governor’s consideration.
If you have not been following along, the governor has been hosting nearly daily press briefings at 3:00 p.m. to provide an update on the state’s current responses to the COVID-19 virus. I believe that we are in good hands with our leaders. The hard work of our health care providers, first responders, grocery store workers, distribution specialists, community volunteers and all other essential suppliers of goods and services is very much appreciated. Thanks to all that are working on the front lines making sure that the necessary resources are available to Missourians.
Please stay safe and enjoy the Easter weekend.
Please call (573) 751-4843 or email doug.libla@senate.mo.gov to share your concerns and ideas.