Here's what we know about what's been happening in Jefferson City.  We compile this information from several of our colleagues in the mental health field who work hard keeping us informed:

Medicaid Cuts:
The Missouri House and Senate have both approved SB 539, the Medicaid bill, and it is on its way to Governor Blunt for signing.  This bill slashes the State's  Medicaid programs.  The governor could sign it at any time.  It will take effect August 28, 2005.

The Governor could choose to veto the bill or make line items changes like restoring the elderly and disabled cuts, or the Medical Assistance to Workers with Disabilities (MAWD).  If you want to register your sentiments, his numbers are 573 751-3222 -- fax number 573  751-1495.

On the Budget Front:

Please be advised that the Senate Appropriations Committee has scheduled budget "mark-up" sessions all this week (mornings and evenings) where they will make their recommendations for FY 2006 State Department budgets.  If you have not already done so, please contact the Chair and members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, urging them to support  HB 10 as proposed by the House Budget Committee for the Department of Mental Health. 

As you know, it is particularly important to make contact if you are a constituent of one of these Senators.   Please also remember to communicate with your own respective Senator, if they are not on this Committee, and apprise them of the important work done by the House Budget Committee in reversing the cuts to essential, safety net  mental health services as was recommended by the Governor.

Contact members of the Senate Appropriations Committee this week.
·         Chuck Gross, 23rd, Chair - Room 423, 573-751-8635
·         Gary Nodler, 32nd, Vice-Chair - Room 433, 573-751-2306
·         Norma Champion, 30th - Room 219, 573-751-2583
·         Rob Mayer, 25th, Room 331, 573-751-3859 (Republican voted against SB 539)
·         Chuck Purgason, 33rd Room 420, 573-751-1882 (sponsor of SB 539)
·         Luann Ridgeway, 17th Room 419, 573-751-2547
·         Joan Bray, 24th Room 434 573-751-2514 (voted against SB 539)
·         Pat Dougherty, 4th Room 333, 573-751-3599 (voted against SB 539)
·         Tim Green, 13th Room 330, 573-751-2420 (voted against SB 539) 

They will be considering House Bill 10 , the mental health budget, House Bill 11, the Medicaid budget.  The House restored most of the Governor's recommended cuts to the Department of Mental Health. Where the governor had proposed cuts of $16 million to DMH, HB 10 reduces those cuts to $6 million with additional offsets that will preserve some threatened programs. 

In House Bill 11, the House and Senate have opportunity to soften the blows delivered in Senate Bill 539.  For example, the House approved Medicaid eligibility for the elderly poor and disabled to 80% of the poverty limit (higher than the 74% minimum in Senate Bill 539).  It also restored oxygen and wheelchairs... but now the Senate has to approve the same.

Both budget bills must now clear the Senate.  Senate Budget Committee "mark up" has begun.  Advocates will want to encourage Senators to pass what the House approved, or improve on it -- 85% of poverty, 90%? Fund MAWD?  Dental, eyecare? 

Once both Houses have an approved version of the budget a "conference committee" a joint committee of select House and Senate members who will hammer out the differences.  After final approval in both Houses a budget will go to the Governor's desk.

MO Assistance to Disabled Workers Program HB827

Rep. Chuck Portwood (Ballwin) has filed HB827 to restore a form of the MAWD program.  While disabled workers must work 40 hours a month and must pay a premium, the premium is deducted from a person's Medicaid spend down.

While not perfect, this bill keeps a good program from becoming history.  HB827 cleared the "Rules" committee today.  Advocates may want to urge House Speaker Jetton (R- Marble Hill) to put this bill on the fast track on the House calendar.  His number is  573  751-5912    FAX  573  526-9804.

Thanks for all of your advocacy thus far.  It has made a difference in the mental health funding and the MAWD program so far.