Representative Patty Lewis, a Democrat, represents Jackson County (District 25) in the Missouri House of Representatives. She was elected to her first two-year term in November 2020.
In addition to her legislative service, Lewis has more than 20 years of health care experience as an ICU/Critical Care Registered Nurse, as well as a Health Care Executive. As an ICU nurse, Lewis cared for the most vulnerable patients in the hospital. As an executive, she was responsible for leading teams, building cases, and identifying solutions to improve patient safety for health care organizations across the world.
[….]
Yesterday:
Patty4MO @Patty4MO
I am tired of the political mask debate! It is about LIFE or DEATH. Hospitals in KC are filling up & going on diversion which means if you or a loved one get sick w/COVID, has a heart attack or is seriously injured in a car accident, there may not be a hospital bed for you.(1/3) 4:02 PM · Jul 28, 2021
Patty4MO @Patty4MO
(2/3)I support @QuintonLucasKC #MaskMandate. This is an evolving virus. According new info from the @CDCgov even if you are vaccinated, you can still get the Delta variant, be asymptomatic, have a LARGE viral load in your system & spread the virus. The entire state is in the red.
Patty4MO @Patty4MO
(3/3)If you care about your neighbor, those with underlying health conditions & children 11 yrs old & younger, PLEASE, please, please #GetVaccinated. And let’s all #MaskUp until we reach heard immunity. #HealthCare shouldn’t be political. #MOLeg #MaskUp
“Listen to the people” “Medicaid expansion is good for Missouri’s health” [July 1, 2021, Jefferson City, Missouri]
Yesterday:
Crystal Quade @crystal_quade
My statement on the Supreme Court upholding the Medicaid expansion amendment:
Today’s unanimous Missouri Supreme Court decision is a complete vindication for those who have worked to expand health care access and a thorough rejection of those willing to defy Missouri voters
[….]
1/2 12:22 PM · Jul 22, 2021
Crystal Quade @crystal_quade
…and ignore the rule of law to stop it from happening. We expect the trial judge will follow the Supreme Court’s clear direction and promptly order the state to begin providing Medicaid services to the expanded population as mandated by the Missouri Constitution.
House Democratic Minority Leader Crystal Quade [2018 file photo].
In the Missouri Constitution:
IV Section 36(c). MO HealthNet expansion — eligibility — state plan amendments — maximization of federal participation — limitation on burdens or restrictions. — 1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, beginning July 1, 2021, individuals nineteen years of age or older and under sixty-five years of age who qualify for MO HealthNet services under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII) and as set forth in 42 C.F.R. 435.119, and who have income at or below one hundred thirty-three percent of the federal poverty level plus five percent of the applicable family size as determined under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(e)(14) and as set forth in 42 C.F.R. 435.603, shall be eligible for medical assistance under MO HealthNet and shall receive coverage for the health benefits service package.
2. For purposes of this section “health benefits service package” shall mean benefits covered by the MO HealthNet program as determined by the department of social services to meet the benchmark or benchmark-equivalent coverage requirement under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(k)(1) and any implementing regulations.
3. No later than March 1, 2021, the Department of Social Services and the MO HealthNet Division shall submit all state plan amendments necessary to implement this section to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
4. The Department of Social Services and the MO HealthNet Division shall take all actions necessary to maximize federal financial participation in funding medical assistance pursuant to this section.
5. No greater or additional burdens or restrictions on eligibility or enrollment standards, methodologies, or practices shall be imposed on persons eligible for MO HealthNet services pursuant to this section than on any other population eligible for medical assistance.
6. All references to federal or state statutes, regulations or rules in this section shall be to the version of those statutes, regulations or rules that existed on January 1, 2019.
STEPHANIE DOYLE, et al., Opinion issued July 22, 20212 No. SC99185
Appellants,
LUKE BARBER and CHRISTINE )
CHANEY,
Appellants,
v.
JENNIFER TIDBALL, et al.,
Respondents.
APPEAL FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COLE COUNTY
The Honorable Jon E. Beetem, Judge
PER CURIAM
Stephanie Doyle, Melinda Hille, and Autumn Stultz, three Missourians who are eligible for MO HealthNet coverage under article IV, section 36(c) of the Missouri Constitution, (“Plaintiffs”) brought suit challenging the refusal by the Department of Social Services (“DSS”) to provide that coverage because the General Assembly failed to appropriate adequate funding. The circuit court rejected Plaintiffs’ claims because it found the ballot initiative that enacted article IV, section 36(c) violated article III, section 51 of the Missouri Constitution, which prohibits initiatives from appropriating money without creating revenue to fund the initiative. Because article IV, section 36(c) does not appropriate money and does not remove the General Assembly’s discretion in appropriating money to MO HealthNet, the circuit court erred in declaring article IV, section 36(c) constitutionally invalid. The circuit court’s judgment is affirmed in part and vacated in part, and the cause remanded for the circuit court to enter judgment for the Plaintiffs, which includes determination of the appropriate injunctive relief.
[….]
Nothing in article IV, section 36(c) deprives the General Assembly of its discretion and requires it to appropriate a specified amount for MO HealthNet services and benefits. The General Assembly maintains the discretion to decide whether and to what extent it will appropriate money for MO HealthNet programs. 4 Even though it is highly possible the General Assembly appropriated less money than MO HealthNet programs are estimated to cost in FY 2022, the consequences of failing to fund MO HealthNet fully at the outset or even with a supplemental appropriation are not before this Court because they are not relevant to whether article IV, section 36(c) violates article III, section 51. Because article IV, section 36(c) does not expressly appropriate money for MO HealthNet nor deprive the General Assembly of discretion and require it to appropriate money for its purposes, it does not violate article III, section 51.
[….]
The General Assembly chose to appropriate funds for the MO HealthNet programs for FY 2022. This was one of presumably thousands of difficult decisions made each year during the appropriation process. But, having made this decision, DSS and MO HealthNet are bound by article IV, section 36(c) concerning which individuals are eligible to enroll when it spends the appropriated funds. Consequently, DSS has appropriation authority to provide services for all individuals eligible for MO HealthNet, including individuals eligible for coverage and services pursuant to article IV, section 36(c).
Conclusion
For the reasons set forth above, the circuit court’s judgment is affirmed only insofar as it overruled the Proposed Intervenors’ motion to intervene. In all other respects, the judgment is vacated, and the cause is remanded to the circuit court to enter judgment for the Plaintiffs, which includes determination of the appropriate injunctive relief.
All concur.
“All concur”.
“Medicaid expansion is the law of the land” [July 1, 2021, Jefferson City, Missouri]
Emily A. @emzorbit
Living in Missouri is like being trapped with Branch Davidians and Jim Jones followers on a cruise ship being helmed by a people who flunked out of clown college. 3:58 PM · Jul 8, 2021
By: Tod PalmerPosted at 6:05 PM, Jul 01, 2021
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While new cases of COVID-19 dropped in Kansas for the seventh consecutive month in June, the emergence of the delta variant in Missouri sent cases soaring.
There were more than 15,000 new COVID-19 cases in Missouri in June based on data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services along with local health departments.
[….]
Researchers say the strain [delta variant] is more contagious and more virulent than the original COVID-19 virus, meaning it spreads faster and easier and leads to a higher rate of hospitalizations, especially among younger — usually unvaccinated — segments of the population.
In this trial, ivermectin treatment in patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 had no significant effect on preventing hospitalization of patients with COVID-19. In the secondary end points, no significant differences were observed except for the time elapsed from hospitalization to invasive MVS, where patients who received ivermectin required it significantly earlier.
[….]
And the next day, in Missouri:
From Bill Kidd (r), a member of the majority in the Missouri General Assembly:
So guess who just tested positive for COVID?
ME.
And no, we didn’t get the vaccine.
We’re Republicans
Some of the comments/conversation:
Did you guys get vaccinated?
heck no. We’re Republicans. Lol
we’ve been trying to find Ivermectin and started drinking tonic water with quinine.
I’ve heard Tractor Supply Company has it for horses. Maybe Feldman’s Farm and Home does, too? I can check the store for you if you’d like. [….]
we’re doing ok. I’ve tried Feldmans and Orchelins but hadn’t tried Tractor Supply. I will call them now.
Regulated Product(s) Animal & Veterinary Drugs
Topic(s) Consumer Health
Health Topic(s) Coronavirus
[….]
Some forms of ivermectin are used in animals to prevent heartworm disease and certain internal and external parasites. It’s important to note that these products are different from the ones for people, and safe when used as prescribed for animals, only.
[….]
For one thing, animal drugs are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals like horses and cows, which can weigh a lot more than we do—a ton or more. Such high doses can be highly toxic in humans.
Moreover, FDA reviews drugs not just for safety and effectiveness of the active ingredients, but also for the inactive ingredients. Many inactive ingredients found in animal products aren’t evaluated for use in people. Or they are included in much greater quantity than those used in people. In some cases, we don’t know how those inactive ingredients will affect how ivermectin is absorbed in the human body.
[…]
Think about that social media conversation for just a brief moment. Tested vaccines in hundreds of millions of people worldwide are not good, the untested veterinary version of an anti-parasitic drug is a winner.
During the latest regular legislative session the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly failed to continue the legislation enabling the previously non-controversial Federal Reimbursement Allowance [FRA] program for Missouri.
There is a looming deadline for legislation to implement the program before it impacts Medicaid and forces cuts in other general revenue funded areas.
Governor Mike Parson (r) called a special session of the General Assembly in an attempt to deal with the mess.
Today in the Missouri House:
House Communications @MOHOUSECOMM
The House has truly agreed to and finally passed SB 1 (Extends the sunset on certain health care provider federal reimbursement allowances and modifies provisions relating to certain family planning health care services) with a vote of 140-13. #moleg
[….] 1:24 PM · Jun 30, 2021
During the latest regular legislative session the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly failed to continue the legislation enabling the previously non-controversial Federal Reimbursement Allowance [FRA] program for Missouri.
There is a looming deadline for legislation to implement the program before it impacts Medicaid and forces cuts in other general revenue funded areas.
Governor Mike Parson (r) called a special session of the General Assembly in attempt to deal with the mess. The General Assembly is now in that special session.
John Rizzo (D) [2019 file photo].
Senator John Rizzo (D):
J O H N R I Z Z O @JohnJRizzo
The MO Senate has passed a 3yr FRA. This version has NO LANGUAGE banning birth control & NO LANGUAGE defunding providers. Good work by all involved, especially the Senate Women who removed the list of birth control from the final bill. 1:18 AM · Jun 26, 2021
Journal of the Senate
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
FIRST EXTRA SESSION
FOURTH DAY—SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021
[….]
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Senator Hough, Chairman of the Committee on Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight, submitted the following report:
Mr. President: Your Committee on Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight, to which was referred SS No. 3 for SB 1, begs leave to report that it has considered the same and recommends that the bill do pass.
THIRD READING OF SENATE BILLS
SS No. 3 for SB 1, introduced by Senator Hegeman, entitled:
SENATE SUBSTITUTE NO. 3 FOR
SENATE BILL NO. 1
An Act to repeal sections 190.839, 198.439, 208.152, 208.437, 208.480, 338.550, and 633.401, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof seven new sections relating to MO HealthNet. Was taken up.
On motion of Senator Hegeman, SS No. 3 for SB 1 was read the 3rd time and passed by the following vote:
YEAS—Senators
Arthur Bean Beck Bernskoetter Brown Cierpiot Crawford
Eigel Eslinger Gannon Hegeman Hough Luetkemeyer May
Mosley O’Laughlin Razer Rehder Riddle Rizzo Roberts
Rowden Schatz Schupp Washington White Wieland Williams—28
Absent—Senators—None
Absent with leave—Senator Hoskins—1
Vacancies—None
The President declared the bill passed.
On motion of Senator Hegeman, title to the bill was agreed to.
Senator Hegeman moved that the vote by which the bill passed be reconsidered.
Senator Rowden moved that motion lay on the table, which motion prevailed.
[….]
During the latest regular legislative session the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly failed to continue the legislation enabling the previously non-controversial Federal Reimbursement Allowance [FRA] program for Missouri.
There is a looming deadline for legislation to implement the program before it impacts Medicaid and forces cuts in other general revenue funded areas.
Governor Mike Parson (r) called a special session of the General Assembly in attempt to deal with the mess. The General Assembly is now in that special session.
…For the poor it consists in sustaining and preserving the wealthy in their power and their laziness. The poor must work for this, in presence of the majestic quality of the law which prohibits the wealthy as well as the poor from sleeping under the bridges, from begging in the streets, and from stealing bread…
Representative Mary Elizabeth Coleman (r) [2019 file photo].
Today:
MaryElizabethColeman @meaccoleman
For the record. No one is talking about banning contraception. There is discussion about tax payers NOT buying them. I can’t imagine there is anything the left doesn’t want the government to pay for. 10:26 AM · Jun 25, 2021
Some of the responses:
For the record, you cannot stop the Government from paying for healthcare, including Birth Control. This is all a scam on pro life voters.
Also for the record, birth control, by far, the best way to prevent abortions & is extremely cost effective for the gov’t; saves huge $$.
Birth control is a mandatory medical service under Mo Health net, as funded by Federal Medicaid $$.
What’s next? Republicans decide taxpayers shouldn’t pay for insulin? Blood pressure meds? Where does this stop?
Actually, they want nothing at all.
What’s next is other meds/conditions that only impact women. The goal is to subjugate women. No medical necessary hysterectomies, no mammograms, no Pap smears. Republicans will keep trying to control women.
For the record, it’s just that we understand basic economics: Birth control is cheaper than unplanned kids.
How does “only” banning it for people only on Medicaid make what you’re saying any better?
You want taxpayers to shoulder the burden of lawsuits that will arise when police in our state try to enforce federal gun laws, get sued for it, and then sue the state in return.
Likewise, your contempt for most life is readily apparent in your desire to milk as many pregnancies out of low-income women as possible and then callously ignore the healthcare needs of both them and their babies. Single moms can only make $3000 to qualify for Medicaid as is 1/2
2/2 and you would deny them even that unless your bizarre and unfounded grudge against contraception is made into a law that will never be viable anyway. You are running for State Senate on phony pro-life gesturing.
For the record the issue is the RIGHT trying to remove common medical care coverage in place for decades essentially banning covered contraceptive care & medication used to treat endometriosis. I can’t imagine there’s any reproductive healthcare the RIGHT would willingly pay for.
Every single study shows the countries with the fewest abortions are those that provide taxpayer funded healthcare with a broad range of contraceptive options. You’re anti-abortion? Covering contraceptives & providing great pre-natal care is the way to achieve this.
Meanwhile, we are NOW, because of the obstinance of THE RIGHT, talking about no Medicaid coverage at all. Who does that hurt? Mother’s, children, and you know what? It hurts YOU the taxpayer. Missouri insurance plans go up. Hospital bills go up. Our tax $ doesn’t go as far.
So, Mary Elizabeth, don’t even begin to come at THE LEFT when 89% of all Americans approves of birth control, even Catholics use birth control, and the taxpayers at large are THRILLED to pay this fractional amount to cover this form of healthcare.
Birth control is healthcare. I pay for yours if you choose/need so. And I don’t quibble over what’s covered or not. Same for someone on Medicaid. Every woman deserves that right to make those healthcare decisions.
Mary doesn’t want to share that she and her family want full access to all of these services and privacy to make those decisions but ultimately her goal is to take that right from Missouri women. We see your long game Coleman and we call BS.
Also I can pretty much guarantee that “the left” doesn’t want a single penny of Missouri revenue going to make the state a theocracy
Nice try. When you can’t afford something, you can’t access it. It’s a ban on contraception. Your party needs to stop treating Americans like dumb-dumbs.
This logic she is playing here is absolutely dangerous. Coleman knows better. This logic can be used as to ban other medical options and treatment plans. This is not limited government. This is a violation of people’s freedom to a safe and healthy life.
You’re an embarrassment
For the record you are narrow minded and short sighted.
The first page of the United States Constitution [1787] – National Archives – detail
[….]
Article. I.
[….]
Section. 2.
The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitledFederal to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.
[….]
“…Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons…”
Free Persons. Three fifths of all other Persons.
Denny Hoskins (r) [2017 file photo].
“Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.” – Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (1689 – 1755)
Today in the legislative special session which is supposed to address the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly failure in the regular session to continue the legislation enabling the previously non-controversial Federal Reimbursement Allowance [FRA] program for Missouri:
FIRST EXTRAORDINARY SESSION SENATE BILL NO. 5 [pdf]
101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR HOSKINS.
2833S.01I ADRIANE D. CROUSE, Secretary
AN ACT
To amend chapter 160, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to public school
curriculum and instruction.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:
1 Section A. Chapter 160, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto
2 one new section, to be known as section 160.2550, to read as
3 follows:
1 160.2550. 1. For the purposes of the provisions of
2 this section, “divisive concepts” shall mean concepts that:
3 (1) One race or sex is inherently superior to another
4 race or sex;
5 (2) The United States is fundamentally racist or
6 sexist;
7 (3) An individual, by virtue of his or her race or
8 sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether
9 consciously or unconsciously;
10 (4) An individual should be discriminated against or
11 receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or
12 her race or sex;
13 (5) Members of one race or sex cannot avoid treating
14 others differently with respect to race or sex;
15 (6) An individual’s moral character is necessarily
16 determined by his or her race or sex;
17 (7) An individual, by virtue of his or her race or
18 sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past
19 by other members of the same race or sex;
20 (8) Any individual should feel discomfort, guilt,
21 anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on
22 account of his or her race or sex;
23 (9) Meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic
24 are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race
25 to oppress another race;
26 (10) Promote any form of race or sex stereotyping,
27 including ascribing character traits, values, moral and
28 ethical codes, privileges, status, or beliefs to a race,
29 sex, or an individual because of his or her race or sex; or
30 (11) Promote any form of race or sex scapegoating,
31 including assigning fault, blame, or conscious or
32 unconscious bias to one or more members of a race or sex and
33 including claims that, consciously or unconsciously, any
34 person is inherently racist, sexist, or inclined to oppress
35 others by virtue of their race or sex.
36 2. It shall be the policy of the state board of
37 education not to promote or allow divisive concepts in
38 public school curricula or instruction.
What a pandering ahistorical fool.
Uh, in 1787, at the founding of our nation and in our Constitution there were those who were not “free Persons” who were defined as 3/5 of a person. If that isn’t fundamentally racist, what is?
…For the poor it consists in sustaining and preserving the wealthy in their power and their laziness. The poor must work for this, in presence of the majestic quality of the law which prohibits the wealthy as well as the poor from sleeping under the bridges, from begging in the streets, and from stealing bread…
During the latest regular legislative session the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly failed to continue the legislation enabling the previously non-controversial Federal Reimbursement Allowance [FRA] program for Missouri.
There is a looming deadline for legislation to implement the program before it impacts Medicaid and forces cuts in other general revenue funded areas.
Governor Mike Parson (r) has called a special session of the General Assembly in attempt to deal with the mess.
Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].
A few minutes ago:
Governor Mike Parson @GovParsonMO
Today, I am calling a special session beginning Wednesday, June 23 at 12:00pm, to focus on extending the Federal Reimbursement Allowances (FRA) and related allowances, taxes, and assessments necessary for funding MO HealthNet before cost-savings measures are needed on July 1.
[….] 12:01 PM · Jun 22, 2021
Last minute. That certainly bodes well, eh?
Some of the response:
“Cost-saving measures”
You’ll do anything to prevent your wealthy donors from being taxed, Mike.
Missouri vote for Democrats if you want a better deal and a functioning government.
Maybe figure out how to implement Medicaid expansion. That will be a game changer for thousands of Missourians
You have really screwed this up already
Republicans waste their time and our money on things we don’t want, and ignore the things we need and voted for. Missouri needs leadership.
People can dream.
The rube Parson cares more about guns than the health of Missourians.
Your resignation would be better. You’re in over your head and totally unable to lead this state.
Another cluster of incompetence. How much will this cost and hurt the residents of Missouri?
“…Let me be clear, if FRA is not extended during a special session before July 1, there will be no other opportunity…”
During the latest regular legislative session the right wingnut controlled Missouri General Assembly failed to continue the legislation enabling the previously non-controversial Federal Reimbursement Allowance [FRA] program for Missouri.
From the Missouri Hospital Association:
Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA)
Missouri’s Federal Reimbursement Allowance program directly benefits Missouri’s economic and health care infrastructure. This highly successful public/private partnership serves as a model of vision, creativity and cooperation.
In 1991, Missouri’s health care and governmental leaders were facing significant budgetary challenges. In response, the FRA program began as a voluntary program; it was expanded and enacted into law as a provider tax in 1992. Hospitals provide funds to the state, and Missouri’s Medicaid program (now called MO HealthNet) uses these funds to earn federal matching dollars.
The FRA program has evolved to maximize federal matching dollars and reduce the burden of MO HealthNet on state general revenue. The FRA is a major source of revenue to the state, surpassing all but the two largest sources of general revenue. Today, it is a major funding stream for MO HealthNet. This releases traditional general revenue to be used for other state priorities.
There is a looming deadline for legislation to implement the program before it impacts Medicaid and forces cuts in other general revenue funded areas.
But, you know, leadership in Missouri:
Governor Mike Parson (r) [2018 file photo].
Yesterday afternoon:
Governor Mike Parson @GovParsonMO
Today, we are laying out the grim reality our state is facing if the Federal Reimbursement Allowances (FRA) and related programs are not extended. Thread 4:31 PM · Jun 21, 2021
Governor Mike Parson (r) continuing:
The FRA program reduces the burden of MO HealthNet expenses on the state budget and maximizes federal dollars coming to our state AND affects hundreds of thousands of Missourians.
When the General Assembly adjourned regular session back in May, they did so without passing legislation that extended this program. This must be passed as soon as possible or necessary and substantial budget restrictions will need to be made.
This is extremely unfortunate considering we are witnessing general revenue reports that are outpacing projections and an economy that is very strong.
Come July 1, if FRA is not extended, my administration will be forced to make budget restrictions across state government and the consequences would be felt by ALL Missourians.
Without the extension of the FRA and other allowances revenues that are used to balance the budget will simply not exist.
If political maneuvering over extending this program persists, the budget passed in early May will be in direct conflict with our state’s financial reality.
To be clear, this means that we would need to close a nearly $1.4 billion funding gap over the next two years.
Meaning, investments in our state through education, workforce development, and infrastructure would have to be put on hold, and that is frankly unacceptable.
Our investments focus on improving our state and preparing our future generations for tomorrow and without them our state could fall behind.
I know I am not willing to accept that, and I hope that the General Assembly is not either.
We have been transparent with legislators on what restrictions could look like and what is on the line, so it is only right that Missourians know too.
Restrictions and Vetoes will include withholds to…
[….]
Even recent legislative wins we are eager to sign, would effectively be rejected due to the pending budget gap.
My staff & I have had countless conversations with House & Senate Leadership, and they are aware of these harmful consequences if we fail to extend these programs.
For those that want to move the goal post yet again… know that YOU and YOU alone will own this and the devastating effects on Missourians and our economy if the FRA is not extended.
This is a time that demands leadership among legislators.
My office has done all we can, and we are counting on the General Assembly to deliver and protect ALL Missourians.
We will continue to work with House and Senate leadership to come to a solution by noon tomorrow.
Let me be clear, if FRA is not extended during a special session before July 1, there will be no other opportunity.
Time is of the essence. We must get this done!
Some of the responses:
Translation: I am going to cut those things anyway, I just want to place the blame somewhere else.
So pick one dude. Either you want Feds involved or you don’t. So while you all were so pressed about getting HB 85 passed this was going on? Your priorities are loud and clear.
The grim reality is you are blind to the people of Missouri. Your state has the highest number of covid cases, yet you do not address it.
That would take actual leadership.
Maybe consider a thread on Covid in MO and all the out state people who think vaccines are the work of the devil?
“The buck stops.. somewhere over there” – gov parson
Wait, let me get this right, Fed money ok,. Fed Gun laws not ok.
Maybe we should put it to a vote of the people!
Oh, right. Never mind.
#ShowMeCluelessness!
Thank goodness we can fine our police for following federal laws!
There are clear priorities.
Just think about the consequences if the same thing happens to unemployment benefits.
But wait, I thought you don’t think you need the federal government’s laws or direction? Why isn’t Missouri’s budget fine without the federal funds?
“Today, I am laying out the grim reality that my decision to give massive tax breaks to deadbeat corporations will mean screwing over you and your children yet again.”
-Mike Parson
And yet, despite the vote of the people, you are unlawfully holding up Medicaid expansion.
Like most republicans, you want it both ways.
Absolutely a failure of leadership by you and a failure to govern by the the Republican Party.
This is 100% on you and your GOP buddies in legislature.
Hilarious that you tweet about maximizing ‘federal dollars coming to our state’ when 1) you did not expand Medicaid, which would have been a LOT of federal dollars and 2) you just signed a nullification law. You don’t want the federal government but you’ll sure grab their cash!
You are such a ridiculous figure, such a godawful stooge, such an incompetent boob that it’s beyond belief.
You’re a monster, you know that don’t you?
Are we supposed to feel guilty because we the people voted to expand our healthcare and you jerks didn’t do the work to make that happen?
And now you will gut everything else we actually need and actually rely on while playing victim.
The grim reality is that you & your GOP malcontents are killing this state. Literally.
That’s a lot of words for a guy who’s dumb as a bag of hammers. No way you wrote this.
Sincerely, Missouri
