Health-related budget proposals put forward by Governor Matt Blunt are welcomed with open arms by the Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Julie Eckstein is pleased that after last year’s tightening of the belts, there is a little more money available this year. And, she’s happy that a healthy chunk of change is headed to health-related causes. She’s particularly glad to see one-million dollars from the tobacco settlement targeted for anti-tobacco efforts. Other health-related initiatives in the budget include more than $2.6-Million and 48 new staff members to inspect nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, as well as increased funds to provide in-home meals to seniors and disabled individuals.
