Senators Return to State Capitol to Deal with COVID-19 Virus
If you are like me, you have been following the federal, state and local responses to the COVID-19 virus. I believe the events of the past month have been unprecedented, and unfortunately, it has caused many aspects of our lives to come to a standstill. As a result, state lawmakers and their staff have not been in the State Capitol for several weeks. While many of us have been working remotely in order to continue serving our constituents, session has been put on “pause” as we deal with the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
This week, however, members of the Missouri Senate returned to the State Capitol to discuss two pieces of legislation, House Bill 2456 and House Bill 2014. House Bill 2456 reauthorizes the state’s Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) Program. This program generates resources to fund several of the state’s health care programs.
House Bill 2014 provides immediate funding to numerous state agencies and departments dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the language contained in HB 2014 authorizes the state to spend the federal funds it is receiving through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the CARES Act. Our state agencies and departments are working hard to face the challenges caused by the spread of the coronavirus in our state. These additional funds will give them the assistance they need to continue serving Missourians during this difficult time.
I understand you may be wondering where this money will go and how it will be spent. Below are a few of the items included in the spending bill:
- $11 million in funding for the Missouri National Guard to help with their response to the COVID-19 crisis;
- $1.5 million in funding for charter school closure refunds to assist charter schools while their classes are conducted virtually; and
- $2.2 million for the Missouri Veterans’ Homes Fund to provide long-term skilled nursing care for our state’s veterans.
On Tuesday, April 7, members of the Senate Appropriations Committee met to discuss HBs 2014 and 2456. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved both pieces of legislation, and sent them to the full Senate for consideration. A day later, the full Senate approved both measures. These proposals now sit on the governor’s desk for his consideration.
It was a surreal two days in Jefferson City. As many of us wore facemasks and did our best to follow social-distancing practices, I felt uneasy voting on such a large funding measure in an empty building. While there was funding secured to support budgetary items Missouri needs, I was struck by the lack of fiscal oversight provided in the bill. For this reason, I was compelled to vote against the legislation.
As we continue to fight against COVID-19 and adjust to new societal standards, I will continue to fight for the ability of Missourians to make the best decisions regarding their own health. This will ultimately result in a dramatic difference in the Show-Me State’s fight against this pandemic. Missourians are a strong citizenry, and I have faith we will persevere.
Please visit Sen. Burlison’s official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/burlison for more legislative and constituent resources.