American industry should produce more medications at home

We are finally seeing some “light at the end of the tunnel.” COVID-19 cases nationally, statewide and locally are dropping and America is slowly reopening.

It is encouraging that much progress has been made, and we may have fewer deaths and return to normal sooner rather than later.

I for one will be glad. However, this experience has been beneficial in some ways. It has taught me a lesson not to take for granted such routine events as going out to eat or attending church services. I am sure many of you will join me in being grateful and recognizing how blessed we truly are and take new joy in the everyday activities of our communities.

Another effect of the pandemic is to illustrate how dependent the U.S. is on China for important medications. Research shows that most of the antibiotics used in America are supplied by China. In fact, the last American plant to make key ingredients for penicillin closed in 2004. Our heavy reliance on China could leave our country dangerously short of medicines in times like these, or in the event of a war or trade conflict. That is why I strongly support President Trump’s efforts to encourage American industry to produce more drugs and medical equipment here at home.

This week the governor signed into law a piece of legislation meant to establish a system of reciprocity for military spouses that would recognize occupational licenses granted in other states. As a member of the Veterans Committee and co-sponsor of the measure, I am appreciative for the governor’s support.

The bill cuts bureaucratic red tape for military spouses, who face considerable challenges when they move with their active duty partner. Due to state variance in licensing criteria, spouses with occupational licenses struggle to practice their profession in states where they are not residents.

The bill that has been signed into law will remove the barriers that impede military spouse licensure and allow them to practice their occupation as long as they hold a valid current license issued by another state or territory of the United States. Specifically, the bill will allow military spouses to receive an equivalent license in Missouri providing that the requirements from their home state are substantially similar to, or more stringent than, Missouri’s requirements.

Before the legislature began its break in mid-March, House members approved important legislation to provide vital funding for the state’s Medicaid program. The Senate then passed the bill two weeks ago and this week the governor signed it into law. The legislation will generate close to $1 billion in revenue for the state operating budget.

The bill extends until 2021 the Ground Ambulance, Nursing Facility, Medicaid Managed Care Organization, Hospital, Pharmacy, and Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled Reimbursement Allowance taxes. These taxes are part of the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) program that was first enacted into law in 1992. Under the program, hospitals and other medical providers provide funds to the state. Missouri’s Medicaid program uses these funds to draw down matching federal dollars, and providers are reimbursed through appropriations from the federal funds.

In response to declining state revenues resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, Gov. Parson recently announced additional expenditure restrictions. This round of restrictions includes reduced funding for the General Assembly, as well as the Attorney General and nine state agencies. The expenditure restrictions are necessary to ensure the budget is balanced and the state has the necessary funds to continue its efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The full list of the governor’s restrictions is available at the following link: https://oa.mo.gov/budget-planning/budget-information/2020-budget-information

Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.