Today’s update discusses Missouri lawmakers’ attempt to finalize the emergency aid package in response to the pandemic. Additionally, the update discusses Governor Parson potentially calling a special session in the near future to finalize the 2021 budget.
FUNDING
- As lawmakers prepared to meet today to discuss the emergency aid package Missouri is attempting to finalize, Budget Director, Dan Haug, stated that net general revenue collections for March have dropped 4.2% compared to the net general revenue collections for March one year prior. Haug offers this information as yet another example of the pandemic’s toll on the state’s economy. Lawmakers are scheduled to convene again today as Governor Mike Parson needs their approval to spend what could amount to billions of dollars in funding for medical supplies, local governments, and other services implemented to fight the virus. For more information, visit https://ktvo.com/news/local/missouri-budget-chief-blames-huge-revenue-drop-on-virus.
- During the Capitol press briefing on Tuesday, Governor Parson announced the potential of calling a special session if the pandemic prevents lawmakers from passing next year’s budget before their deadline. Despite the COVID-19 concerns, Governor Parson appears optimistic that the Legislature will timely pass the 2021 budget. For more information, visit https://www.missourinet.com/2020/04/06/missouri-legislature-appears-headed-toward-special-session-to-get-state-budget-passed/.
HeplerBroom attorney Emilee M. Bramstedt contributed to this blog post.