Missouri government outlines $20 million spending plan to combat coronavirus effects

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri House of Representatives is scheduled to convene Wednesday in an effort to expedite the passage of the constitutionally mandated state budget package.

The House Budget Committee advanced Gov. Mike Parson's amendment to the operating budget for fiscal 2021, which would allow the Missouri legislature to direct $13 million in expected federal coronavirus relief funds.

In a news conference Friday, Parson announced his executive order declaring a state of emergency. That designation allows the Republican leader to access $7 million of state funds to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

Rep. Cody Smith, R-Jasper, chair of the House Budget Committee said the numbers could change and the situation is being evaluated daily.

"We're watching the situation very closely, monitoring day-to-day," Smith said. "The administration has been in close contact with the legislature and multiple conversations have been had every day."

As of the publication of this article, the Missouri Senate's website says the Senate will convene Friday. However, that gathering is a procedural necessity per the rules of the Senate and will not include the full chamber.