Governor Jay Nixon (D) has signed a bill that doubles to $400 a week the amount of money crime victims can receive if they have endured physical of psychological injury as a result of violent crime.
The Crime Victims Compensation fund pays what are deemed “reasonable” medical and counseling expenses and lost wages.
“This change was long overdue given that the cap hasn’t been raised since the program was established more than 30-years ago,” said Nixon. “In addition this bill gives the crime victims’ program the authority to negotiate the costs of medical care and other services directly with providers on behalf of the victim.”
“We have a moral responsibility to help victims of violent crimes and their families so that they are not victimized again by the financial burden of medical costs and lost wages,” said Nixon.
The program also helps the families of those killed in violent crimes by assisting with funeral costs.