JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, presented legislation to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Feb. 1 to modify provisions relating to public assistance and simplify the process for eligible Missourians to apply for and receive state benefits. Senate Bill 82 passed out of committee with a vote of 7-0 on Feb. 8 and has been sent to the Senate body for consideration.

Senate Bill 82 would condense the lengthy application forms for certain public assistance benefit programs to one page, streamline the process and make forms due on tax day. In addition, with the passage of Amendment 3 in Missouri, individuals with a marijuana drug conviction on their record may now qualify for government assistance.

“State government should be working for Missouri’s working families with solution-focused policies that actually make a difference in their lives,” said Sen. Coleman. “We can make our safety net programs more efficient at the lowest cost possible to help the people who need it the most.”

Senate Bill 82 would also ensure those already receiving benefits would not lose eligibility by working additional hours or receiving pay increases. Missourians are refusing work, promotions, extra hours and other opportunities because they would immediately lose benefits, such as child care, if they hit a specific income level. Senator Coleman’s legislation would reform this system with a benefit transition plan when a worker’s income is rising, creating a pathway to independence through an incremental decrease in benefits. These transitional benefits would provide a progression into self-sufficiency while incentivizing work and financial stability.

Please visit Sen. Coleman’s official Missouri Senate website for more information on her legislative agenda at senate.mo.gov/Coleman.

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