Missouri is going through tough budget times. That means funding for many programs is being cut, while funding for others will remain at current levels. Despite the economic realities, Senator Pat Dougherty of St. Louiswants funding increased for foster care. Dougherty says Missouri’s reimbursement rate is among the lowest in thenation. He says foster parents are paid about $20 a day to care for children. That’s a small amount, compared to the costs of residential care or housing a young person in prison. He’s not optimistic about the chances of his bill becoming law. In fact, he’s not even confident his billwill be voted out of the Senate committee.
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