Hard work of all is appreciated

The legislature reconvened for two days last week in order to review and vote on two very important budget bills. Very few people entered the Capitol on those days and all who did enter were screened for potential exposure, or symptoms of, COVID-19.

On Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard the details, and discussed in great length, two budget related bills. House Bill 2456, or the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) bill, is reauthorized each year by the Legislature to enable the state to use the taxes that are levied on pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, ambulances and developmental disability services to draw down federal matches and offset the cost of Medicaid to our state.

The committee also discussed the components of House Bill 2014 which is the supplemental spending bill. This bill includes federal funding for the COVID-19 response and relief efforts in Missouri. The supplemental budget authorizes more than $6 billion in spending, the vast majority of that money coming from the federal government’s relief package. On Wednesday, the Senate body passed both pieces of legislation; later that day, the House of Representatives also passed the bills and they were then sent to the governor for his signature.

If you have not been following along, the governor has been hosting daily press briefings at 3 p.m. to provide an update on the state’s current responses to the COVID-19 virus. I believe that we are in good hands with our leaders. The hard work of our health care providers, first responders, grocery store workers, distribution, community volunteers, and all other essential suppliers of goods and services is very much appreciated. Thanks to all that are working on the front lines making sure that the necessary resources are available to Missourians.

Please stay safe.

Please call 573-751-4843 or email doug.libla@senate.mo.gov to share your concerns and ideas

Sen. Doug Libla (R-Poplar Bluff) represents District 25.