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Missouri House’s bipartisan budget increase for foster children praised by Kids Win Missouri (AUDIO)

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A coalition that’s dedicated to improving the well-being of Missouri children is praising the Missouri House’s bipartisan approval of a $76 million increase for foster and adoptive children.

Missouri House Speaker Rob Vescovo (right) and House Budget Committee chairman Cody Smith (R-Carthage) listen to budget debate in the chamber on March 30, 2021 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Kids Win Missouri policy director Craig Stevenson says the House budget provides unprecedented support for the kinship and foster families who care for the thousands of children in Missouri foster care. The state Department of Social Services (DSS) says there are currently 13,917 foster care children in Missouri.

“It increases everything from the maintenance, the monthly maintenance payments that foster guardian and adoptive parents get. But then also increases important things like the diaper allowance for people who are caring for infants,” Stevenson says.

The House budget increases the infant care enhancement from $50 to $80 per month. There is a $44 per month foster care monthly maintenance increase for foster children ages 0-5, and $47 per month for ages 6-12. It’s $127 per month increase for foster teens.

Mr. Stevenson also notes the House budget includes a 45 percent increase to the clothing allowance for foster teens.

“We all know that it takes a lot of resources to clothe and keep our growing kids in appropriate clothing,” says Stevenson.

The House budget increases the clothing allowance for foster teens by $220 annually, up from the current $480. It also increases the clothing allowance for Missouri foster children ages 6-12 by $110 annually, up from the current $290.

Stevenson is thankful to House Speaker Rob Vescovo (R-Arnold) and to House members in both parties for their support, saying it represents a much-needed investment.

“Foster parenting is a calling, and we are grateful for the commitment of the House of Representatives in providing additional support for those caring for children,” Stevenson says.

Kids Win Missouri’s website says its mission is “to further child well-being by advancing the health, education, safety and development of Missouri children and their families, especially those who are at-risk because of poverty, abuse, neglect, racial inequities or other risk factors.”

Vescovo, who was elected House Speaker in January, focused on early childhood education and adoption during his opening day address. He called on state lawmakers that day to expand Missouri’s adoption tax credit, so that families who want to adopt a child aren’t blocked from doing it simply because of cost.

Speaker Vescovo was adopted.

The Missouri House approved a $34.1 billion state operating budget last week. That budget now heads to the Missouri Senate. The state Constitution requires Missouri lawmakers to approve a balanced budget by early May.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with Kids Win Missouri policy director Craig Stevenson, which was recorded on April 2, 2021:

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All state offices closed in Missouri on Tuesday

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The winter storm battering all of Missouri has forced the Office of Administration (OA) to close all Missouri offices on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Springfield has issued a wind chill warning for the Ozarks through Tuesday morning (February 15, 2021 graphic courtesy of NWS Springfield Twitter)

It’s due to the snowstorm and to hazardous road conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) has been urging Missourians to stay off the roads, if possible.

Tuesday’s closure won’t impact emergency services like the Missouri State Highway Patrol. And crews from the state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will still plow roads.

The current plan is to reopen state offices on Wednesday morning.

The winter storm and anticipated additional snow has also caused the Missouri Senate to cancel session for the entire week in Jefferson City. The Missouri House has canceled session for Monday and Tuesday. There are House hearings scheduled for Wednesday, at this time.

“With additional snow and ice in the forecast for much of the state, we want to be sensitive to the safety of our staff and members. Next week’s forecast looks great – excited to get back to JC (Jefferson City) and get back to work,” Leader Rowden tweeted.

The NWS in Springfield says more snow is expected across southern Missouri’s Ozarks from Tuesday night through Thursday. The heaviest snow is expected to be near the Missouri-Arkansas border. Branson, Thayer and West Plains should see four to six inches of additional snowfall.

The NWS in Springfield has also issued a wind chill warning, which remains in effect through Tuesday morning. Wind chills in Lebanon and Waynesville will make it feel like 15 degrees below zero.

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Missouri bill would boost gas tax but offer rebates to drivers

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A proposed fuel tax increase could come with a rebate option for drivers who fill up in Missouri. State Representative Becky Ruth, R-Festus, has filed legislation that would increase the fee two cents annually for five years to help to pay for Missouri’s underfunded highway system. She tells Missourinet if drivers turn in their receipts to the Department of Revenue, they could ask for a rebate.

State Rep. Becky Ruth, R-Festus, speaks at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City on January 30, 2020 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

“This bill is unique in the fact that while it raises the gas tax, also I think gives a little bit of balance and it actually makes it a voluntary tax instead of a mandatory tax,” she says. “This is critically needed for our state to find a type of sustainable funding source. I think this is just one tool in the toolbox to help us continue to maintain and fund our roads and bridges.”

The state has not increased its gas tax of 17 cents per gallon since 1996. Missouri has the seventh largest highway system in America, but Ruth says we rank 48th in the nation in transportation funding.

“We’ve reached a crisis level here in Missouri where we have between $8 billion and $10 billion in unfunded need for our transportation system,” Ruth says.

Ruth, who has served as the House Transportation Committee chairwoman for the past three years, says South Carolina passed a similar model in 2017.

“In South Carolina when they did this, and they did 12 cents over six years, they gave back a little over $3 million and they took in for their roads fund a little over 500 million,” says Ruth.

Several efforts have been made over the years to boost the fee, but voters and the state Legislature have both voted down the endeavors. Ruth says South Carolina ran into similar opposition for many years.

Under the bill, rebates could be requested for up to two vehicles per calendar year. Ruth’s proposal would not limit the weight and size of the vehicle allowed for a rebate. She says fuels included in the plan would be all those listed in state statute. There would not be a cap on how much the state would dole out in rebates. In order to not violate the interstate commerce clause, Ruth says the rebate must be open to Missouri residents and those from out-of-state.

Another element would require the Missouri Department of Transportation to show on its website the money coming in from the tax and the money going out.

The proposal, House Bill 1044, does not require a vote of the people.

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Former Missouri state Senator announces run for Blunt’s seat in 2022

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Former Missouri state Senator Scott Sifton has announced today his bid for the seat currently held by Republican U.S. Senator Roy Blunt.

Former State Senator Scott Sifton, D-Affton

Sifton unveiled his decision today in a launch video critical of both Missouri U.S. Senators.

“Our country is at a critical point in its history,” Sifton says in a press release. “We just saw what happens when our leaders don’t stand up for truth and when they don’t put the good of our country over their own political ambitions. Josh Hawley’s dangerous conspiracy theories and attempts to overturn the election helped lead to a deadly insurrection, and Roy Blunt—the ultimate insider—was once again too weak to speak out. I’m running for senate because Missouri deserves better. I’ve always been willing to take on the toughest fights to do right by Missouri families. We need a lot more of that in Washington.”

Sifton, a Democrat and attorney from St. Louis County, served in the state Senate for eight years and in the House for two years. Term limits prevented him from running again for the state Senate.

Blunt, who has not yet made a formal announcement about whether he will seek-re-election in 2022, has been serving in U.S. Congress since 1997. He is fourth on the U.S. Senate Republican leadership ladder and has chaired several U.S. Senate committees, including Rules and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.

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Missouri House chooses Vescovo as Speaker

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The Missouri House on Wednesday elected State Rep. Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, as the first House Speaker in state history from eastern Missouri’s Arnold.

Then-Missouri House Majority Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, (left) speaks to House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, in the House chamber in Jefferson City on November 10, 2020 (File photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Vescovo was first elected to the House in 2014, and is starting his fourth term.

The 2021 legislative session started Wednesday at noon in Jefferson City.

Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers again this session. They control the Senate 24-10, and have a 114-47 majority in the House.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R) presided over the House, until the Speaker was elected. He also delivered a speech, critical of how elections were conducted in Georgia and Pennsylvania. Ashcroft also says “Clean Missouri” was rammed through by special, wealthy out-of-state interests in 2018.

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Missouri Legislature gets back to work today. What will the new session look like during the pandemic?

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The Missouri Legislature’s new session begins today at the state Capitol in Jefferson City – with some COVID-19 measures. Senate President Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, says session will not be a usual start because of the pandemic.

Missouri Capitol

“We have people checking temperatures, asking COVID-related questions as they enter the Capitol here, monitoring it from that perspective,” he tells Missourinet. “We’re taking some precautions on setting up our committee hearing rooms with some social distance areas, just trying to make sure that we have as much a safe environment as we can to try to conduct business.”

The public can listen to Senate committee hearings from abroad, but Schatz says hearings are not set up to take virtual testimony at this time.

“We would anticipate continuing to have public testimony in the form of individuals coming to the Capitol,” he says. “If they feel uncomfortable, I mean they’ve always been able to submit written testimony to the committees as well.”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the public will be able to testify virtually during House committee hearings.

Both the House and Senate already provide audio of floor debate. The House also posts video of debate on its website.

Schatz says Senators are not required to wear a mask, but he suggests that they wear one. At this time, spring break is the only major break planned in the Senate.

“Until something that would dramatically change, we’re going to plow forward I believe like we should,” says Schatz.

The state reports 405,589 people have tested positive for COVID-19 since March and 5,825 have died from the virus. More than 2,600 people are in a Missouri hospital being treated for COVID-19.

Lawmakers gavel in at noon today for the 2021 session. Eleven newly-elected Senators and 6 returning Senators will be sworn into office. In the House, 161 Representatives will also take the oath of office.

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Missouri’s 2021 legislative session starts Wednesday; Rob Vescovo set to become House Speaker

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Missouri lawmakers will return to Jefferson City on Wednesday for the start of the 2021 session. Both the Senate and House will gavel-in at noon.

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to be the major issue again this session, like 2020. Missouri’s current operating budget is about $38 billion, which includes two major supplemental budgets with federal money.

State Rep. Steven Roberts (D-St. Louis) will be sworn-in to the Senate on Wednesday. He’s seen here on House floor on April 27, 2020 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Republicans will control the Missouri Senate 24-10 this session. That’s a supermajority.

11 newly-elected state senators and six returning state senators will be sworn-in on Wednesday. Several of the new state senators are moving over from the House. They include State Reps. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, Holly Rehder, R-Scott City, Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, and Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis.

Razer, Rehder, Moon and Roberts were elected to the Senate in November.

The Republicans also have a supermajority in the Missouri House this session, 114-47. There is one vacancy that was created when then-State Rep. Kip Kendrick, D-Columbia, resigned to become chief of staff for Senator-Elect Razer.

The House Wednesday is expected to elect the first Speaker in state history from eastern Missouri’s Arnold. State Rep. Rob Vescovo (R) has served as the House Majority Floor Leader for three years. Vescovo was first elected to the House in 2014 and will be starting his fourth term.

Vescovo is a former member of the Jefferson County Port Authority.

Springfield Republican Elijah Haahr served as Speaker from November 2018 until last Thursday, and has termed out of the House.

Missouri House Majority Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, stands on House floor on May 15, 2020. He’s set to become Speaker on Wednesday (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R) will briefly preside over the House on Wednesday, once session begins. The House will then elect a temporary speaker from the chamber, who will preside over the vote for Speaker.

All Missouri House members will be sworn-in on Wednesday. That will include 46 new members who have never served before. It also includes the six members who were elected during November 2019 special elections. They are State Reps. Yolanda Young, D-Kansas City, Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis, Mark Sharp, D-Kansas City, Trish Gunby, D-Manchester, Mike Person, D-Ferguson and Scott Cupps, R-Shell Knob. Young, Aldridge, Sharp, Gunby, Person and Cupps were re-elected in November.

There will also be three new Missouri House members who served in the chamber previously. They are State Reps. Joe Adams, D-University City, Wayne Wallingford, R-Cape Girardeau, and Bill Owen, R-Springfield.

Owen will return to the Missouri House for the first time since 1981-1982. He served one term, after being elected in 1980.

There will also be a bipartisan legislative prayer service Wednesday morning in Jefferson City, to mark the start of session. It will take place at 9 a.m. at Concord Baptist Church, which is across the street from Capital Mall. There will not be a breakfast this year.

Copyright © 2021 · Missourinet

Schatz: Missouri Senate to return next week; two senators who tested positive for COVID have recovered (AUDIO)

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The Missouri Senate leader says two state senators and a Senate staff member who tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz (R-Sullivan) briefs Capitol reporters on March 12, 2020 in Jefferson City, as Democratic Leader John Rizzo (D-Kansas City) and Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) look on (file photo from Missourinet’s Alisa Nelson)

Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, says the full Senate plans to return to Jefferson City next week.

“I haven’t spoken to both of them (the two state senators who tested positive for COVID) but I’ve spoken with one of those senators and he has fully recovered and feeling fine. And I do believe the other senator according to reports, that he is fine also and fully recovered,” Schatz says.

Schatz and Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, announced last Monday that the Senate would postpone debate and votes on the proposed $1.2 billion supplemental budget until after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, due to the positive COVID cases. Schatz says that decision was not made lightly and was done in the best interest of protecting senators, staff members and the public.

Pro Tem Schatz tells Missourinet that the Senate will return next Tuesday afternoon to debate and vote on the supplemental budget. He says the Senate needs two days to get it done, and that will include time for committee hearings.

“Our plan is we adjourned until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1,” says Schatz. “So we are planning to come back and take up some of the appropriations work that the House has sent over to us.”

The House approved the supplemental budget on November 10, on a bipartisan 133-4 vote. The budget deploys federal resources across numerous state departments.

It also provides more authority to spend federal dollars on personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing. It also addresses Missouri’s unemployment fund shortage.

Schatz expects a final vote on the supplemental budget next Wednesday. If the Senate approves it as is, it would go straight to the governor’s desk. If any changes are made, the budget would go to a conference committee.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, which was recorded on November 23, 2020:

Copyright © 2020 · Missourinet

Missouri Senate postpones session; House postpones new member bus tour

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The Missouri Senate portion of a special legislative session is postponed. Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden announced this first on Monday morning via Twitter:

Rowden said the decision “was not made lightly.”

Missourinet confirmed with Senate President Pro Tem that there are members and staff with COVID-19.

Some senators were also busy over the past week with official gatherings and other rallies, including a pro-President Trump gathering inside the Capitol. 

House freshman will have to wait to take their statewide bus tour.

Missouri House Speaker Designee Rob Vescovo’s statement about this component of the new House member orientation:

“Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to protect the health and well-being of members, staff and the general public, we have decided to postpone the two-week statewide bus tour for newly-elected House members. The tour is an incredibly important learning opportunity that gives new members first-hand experiences with many of the programs and facilities around the state that are impacted by their decisions in Jefferson City. I am committed to ensuring our new members will be able to benefit from this incredible educational experience at a future date when we can conduct the tour in a safe and responsible fashion that doesn’t risk further spread of COVID-19.”

The Missouri House will still hold its scheduled three-day orientation for new members this week in the State Capitol building, with plans to follow CDC guidelines and screenings.

 

 

 

UPDATE: Missouri House gives initial approval to $1.2 billion supplemental budget

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The Missouri House voted Tuesday to give preliminary approval to a proposed $1.27 billion supplemental budget, a supplemental that is the reason for the special session.

Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, (right) talks with House Budget Committee Chair Cody Smith, R-Carthage, and Majority Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, on
May 7, 2020 in Jefferson City (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The supplemental budget includes funding for school nutrition programs, job training grants, $1 million for witness protection funding and money for child support payments.

Governor Mike Parson (R) called the special session, saying there is still CARES Act funding that needs to be distributed to Missourians.

One key part of Tuesday’s debate involved funding for the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for food.

State Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake St. Louis, tells Missouri House colleagues that the money would be better spent on other things, saying some Missouri school districts have become “glorified lunchrooms.”

Representative Hill is specifically critical of the school district in eastern Missouri’s Wentzville, telling colleagues on the House floor that leaders there have failed. State Rep. Bryan Spencer, R-Wentzville, expresses similar concerns. Both Hill and Spencer note they have heard from many Wentzville parents.

State Rep. Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson, responded by saying there shouldn’t be a child in the state who is hungry.

State Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis, spoke on the House floor this morning about day cares across the state, warning that many of them are suffering financially. He says it’s a major issue across the state and must be addressed.

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