April 8, 2020 Less than a minute read

Missouri Legislature passes supplemental budget with billions in COVID-19 funding

The Missouri General Assembly has passed a historic $6 billion supplemental budget bill to fund the state through the end of the fiscal year and help the state fight COVID-19. The budget includes $5.6 billion in federal funding to help supplant projected decreases in General Revenue and ensure no essential services are cut.

Highlights of the supplemental budget include using federal funding to:

  • Acquire more personal protective equipment for health care workers
  • Help municipalities to deal with this pandemic
  • Deliver childcare assistance to help backfill financial losses at facilities and assist first responders in securing child care
  • Provide funding for K-12 schools and higher education

The state is still awaiting guidance from the federal government on how some of the funding can be used, but the executive and legislative branches are hoping for broad guidance to allow for flexibility in spending.

The House and Senate swiftly passed the supplemental budget while maintaining social distancing standards through staggered voting. Most legislators wore face masks. House Budget Chair, Rep. Cody Smith, urged his colleagues to put aside the political rhetoric during the floor debate and focus on the Missourians who need immediate relief.

Governor Parson is anticipated to sign the bill as soon as it gets to his desk.

Lawmakers also passed the federal reimbursement allowance (FRA) reauthorization bill (HB 2456) earlier today. This extends our vital health care funding mechanism for one year.


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