JEFFERSON CITY — Today, Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, raised her voice to the highest level of Missouri government. She is calling on the governor to reverse course and release his hold on the $17.8 million that the General Assembly appropriated for dental services through Medicaid to impoverished Missourians on June 24, 2014.

If released, the $17.8 million would trigger over $30 million in federally matched funds. The total would amount to more than $48 million targeted at Missouri’s poorest citizens.

“I find it hypocritical for the governor to campaign to expand Medicaid in this state and then do this. It is so frustrating to celebrate in our legislative accomplishment — getting these people dental benefits — only to see it withheld by the governor,” Sen. Nasheed said.

“In order to take care of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens, certain funds are no longer negotiable,” said Sen. Nasheed. “It's time for the governor to stand up and demonstrate his beliefs as a member of the minority caucus rather than simply talking about them. I understand the governor’s responsibility to the financial health of this state, and that is a tough job. But it’s difficult to understand why the poorest in our state are asked to carry so much of that burden,” the senator continued.

Nasheed continued: “I am calling on the governor to make such a showing by releasing these funds.”

Senator Nasheed added that the governor would go a long way with her community by announcing this release, and noted that in the past such releases have not required much legal or logistical complexity.

To learn about Sen. Nasheed and any of her current or past legislation, or any legislative committees on which Sen. Nasheed serves, visit her Senate website, www.senate.mo.gov/Nasheed.