HB 995 -- FAMILY AND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT TRUST

CO-SPONSORS:  Riback Wilson, Gaw, Campbell, Kelley (47), Kasten,
Kelly (27), Shields, Carter

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Critical
Issues by a vote of 14 to 6.

This bill establishes the Family and Community Investment Trust
to provide leadership through a public-private partnership to
improve the well-being of Missouri's families, children,
individuals, and communities.  The trust is to be governed by a
board comprised of the directors of the Departments of
Corrections, Elementary and Secondary Education, Health, Labor
and Industrial Relations, Economic Development, Mental Health,
and Social Services as well as 7 private sector members.

The trust is specifically prohibited from superseding the
statutory authority of state departments.  The trust must also
use funds consistent with the appropriations process of the
General Assembly.  Additionally, the trust's powers and
responsibilities are outlined and include:

(1)  Providing technical support and training for state agencies
and communities necessary to achieve core results;

(2)  Creating an action plan in collaboration with community and
state agencies to accomplish the core outcomes and other results
that improve the well-being of children, families, and
communities;

(3)  Monitoring the implementation and evaluating the
effectiveness of the action plan in achieving core outcomes;

(4)  Devising strategies to respond to any federal fiscal policy
changes affecting programs for children, youth, and families; and

(5)  Advising the Governor and the General Assembly on budget or
policy changes necessary to achieve (a)  accountability for
results; (b)  bringing services closer to where families live
and work, and children attend school; (c)  active community
involvement in decision-making affecting children, families, and
individuals; and (d)  using funds more flexibly and effectively
to meet community needs and priorities.

In addition, the bill establishes the Family and Community
Investment Trust Legislative Oversight Committee to be comprised
of 5 members of the House of Representatives and 5 members of
the Senate.  The committee must oversee the trust's progress in
meeting its goals and ensure accountability for public
expenditures.

FISCAL NOTE:  Partial Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund
of $3,733 in FY 2000, $4,614 in FY 2001, and $4,752 in FY 2002.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill will encourage
collaboration and cooperation with local communities and state
agencies to provide various services to children, families, and
communities.  The arrangement will allow resources to be used
more effectively in meeting community needs and priorities.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Riback Wilson.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the proposed
arrangement will add more bureaucratic structure to provide
services in communities.  Also, the proposal may result in fewer
services for the mentally ill because resources currently
directed to those individuals could be used to provide other
services.

Testifying against the bill was the Missouri Coalition of
Community Mental Health Centers.

Katharine Hickel Barondeau, Legislative Analyst

HB 995 -- Family and Community Investment Trust

Co-Sponsors:  Riback Wilson, Gaw, Campbell, Kelley (47), Kasten,
Kelly (27), Shields, Carter

This bill establishes the Family and Community Investment Trust
to provide leadership through a public-private partnership to
improve the well-being of Missouri's families, children,
individuals, and communities.  The trust is to be governed by a
board comprised of the directors of the Departments of
Corrections, Elementary and Secondary Education, Health, Labor
and Industrial Relations, Economic Development, Mental Health,
and Social Services as well as 7 private sector members.

The trust is specifically prohibited from superseding the
statutory authority of state departments.  The trust must also
use funds consistent with the appropriations process of the
General Assembly.  Additionally, the trust's powers and
responsibilities are outlined and include:

(1)  Providing technical support and training for state agencies
and communities necessary to achieve core results;

(2)  Creating an action plan in collaboration with community and
state agencies to accomplish the core outcomes and other results
that improve the well-being of children, families, and
communities;

(3)  Monitoring the implementation and evaluating the
effectiveness of the action plan in achieving core outcomes;

(4)  Devising strategies to respond to any federal fiscal policy
changes affecting programs for children, youth, and families; and

(5)  Advising the Governor and the General Assembly on budget or
policy changes necessary to achieve (a)  accountability for
results; (b)  bringing services closer to where families live
and work, and children attend school; (c)  active community
involvement in decision-making affecting children, families, and
individuals; and (d)  using funds more flexibly and effectively
to meet community needs and priorities.

In addition, the bill establishes the Family and Community
Investment Trust Legislative Oversight Committee to be comprised
of 5 members of the House of Representatives and 5 members of
the Senate.  The committee must oversee the trust's progress in
meeting its goals and ensure accountability for public
expenditures.