JEFFERSON CITY — Another budget bill that garnered overwhelming support in the Missouri Senate received the governor’s stamp of approval on Thursday (6-21), making House Bill 2010 the second of 13 core budget bills to receive his signature.  The measure provides crucial funding for the state’s Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

As handler of all appropriations bills through the upper chamber, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee ushered HB 2010 to its passage in the Senate by a vote of 29-3.  The total amount allocated for DMH funding for FY 2013 is $1.393 billion, with approximately $602 million from general revenue, $736 million from federal funds, and $55 million from other funding sources.  DMH includes the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities. 

The legislation also includes $1.043 billion for DHSS, which includes the Division of Community and Public Health and the Division of Senior and Disability Services.  The total amount allocated for DHSS funding for the upcoming fiscal year includes $271 million from general revenue, $750 million from federal funds, and $23 million from other funding sources.

In total, HB 2010 represents slightly more than 10 percent of the $24.032 billion budget, which was passed by the General Assembly one day before its deadline established by the state’s constitution.  The fiscal year for 2013 starts July 1, 2012, and ends June 30, 2013.

To see a complete list of the budget bills delivered to the governor by the General Assembly for his approval, visit www.senate.mo.gov and click on the “Truly Agreed Bills” link under the “Legislation” tab.  To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or email: newsroom@senate.mo.gov.