Coronavirus Presenting Challenges for Missouri House Budget Process

Prior to departing for spring break, the Missouri House of Representatives attempted to pass the budget for fiscal year 2021. However, Ranking Minority Member of the House Budget Committee, Kip Kendrick, says the uncertainty from the coronavirus presented too great of a challenge.

As a result, the House passed a supplemental budget with about 40 million dollars in funding to combat the coronavirus. The supplemental budget is now in the Senate’s hands. Kendrick says he’s hopeful the Senate will add more funding.

As for the House, members plan to pick the budget process back up as soon as possible. However, Kendrick indicates the coronavirus presents some logisitical challenges for the House.

Representative Joe Runions of Grandview is currently hospitalized after being diagnosed with the coronavirus. He was last in Jefferson City on March 12th. The Missouri Legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.