Sen. Andrew Koenig’s Capitol Report for May 22, 2020

St. Louis Begins Reopening This Week

Friday, May 15, marked the final day of the 2020 legislative session. Throughout the course of the past five months, I am proud of the work accomplished by the General Assembly. In addition to the General Assembly wrapping up its work, there have also been some new developments concerning COVID-19 in our community. In today’s Capitol Report, I would like to share with you a few updates regarding helpful programs in our community, as well as discuss new guidelines for local businesses.

St. Louis County Reopening

The St. Louis County stay-at-home order ended on May 18, and new guidelines are now in place for businesses and restaurants. These guidelines are part of the STL Regional Business Recovery Initiative, and give guidance on reopening procedures for eight different types of business. Please visit the County’s website for more information regarding the operating protocols for each type of business.

St. Louis County Small Business Relief Program

The St. Louis county executive has extended the application deadline for the small business relief program to May 31. Businesses may apply for the grant through the County’s website. This relief program provides a one-time grant of $15,000 to qualifying businesses that were closed during the stay-at-home order. Eligible businesses must have 50 or fewer employees, the business’ main location must be located in St. Louis County and the business must have been closed during the County’s order. In addition, nonprofit organizations are also eligible to participate in this program.

County Parks and Protective Measures

As of May 18, all St. Louis County parks and trails are open. Social distancing is still recommended for all guests visiting parks. Most loop trails are now one-way. Park restrooms, indoor facilities, sports centers, shelters, exercise stations, playgrounds, skate parks and the Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex remain closed.

For additional information about COVID-19, please visit the St. Louis County coronavirus website. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has a COVID-19 hotline available at 877-435-8411.

New Interactive Map Details COVID-19 in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has created a new interactive map that provides additional information regarding COVID-19 cases in Missouri. The new map provides the demographics of positive cases, the total number of individuals that have been tested and how many have been hospitalized for COVID-19. As our state begins the long process of reopening, I think it is vitally important for Missourians to have access to this information to make their own decisions about their daily lives as we learn to live in a new “normal.” I would encourage everyone to visit the Department’s new map and take advantage of this informative resource.

Driver’s License Provisions Passed by the General Assembly

With the 2020 legislative session behind us, I wanted to talk about House Bill 1963. Passed by the General Assembly, this legislation gives the Missouri Department of Revenue the authority to design an online system to allow individuals to renew their driver’s license through the department’s website. Applicants using the online system will not be allowed to take the highway sign test unless the department has a mechanism for the test to be done remotely. In addition, applicants will need to prove they have had an eye exam in the past year and that their current vision satisfies the legal requirements. I believe this is a great way to give eligible drivers the opportunity to renew their license online and avoid a visit to the DMV.

This legislation also authorizes the department to design and implement a secure digital driver’s license program that allows applicants to obtain a digital driver’s license on their cell phone, in addition to the standard driver’s license card. The department will have the authority to suspend, disable or terminate an individual’s participation in the program if their driving privilege is suspended, revoked or denied, or if they report their cell phone has been lost or stolen.

Food Assistance in St. Louis County

Last week, the St. Louis county executive announced that $2.6 million from the County’s portion of the CARES Act will be used to help provide food to families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will be used by five community organizations to help those struggling with food security.

The County’s coronavirus website offers information about additional food resources, as well as information about utility companies that are offering additional support during this difficult time.

As always, it is an honor and privilege serving you in the Missouri General Assembly. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns or ideas to improve our state government. Thank you for reading my Capitol Report and I look forward to sharing more of our work with you soon.