Love note from Jeff City

Lawmakers Set to Return to Jefferson City on April 27

Members of the Missouri House and Senate will make their way back to the State Capitol building on April 27 to resume the 2020 legislative session. When they return, legislators will focus their efforts on crafting the Fiscal Year 2021 state operating budget, which must be approved by May 8 in accordance with the Missouri Constitution.

House Speaker Elijah Haahr and Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo issued a joint statement with Senate leadership regarding the decision to resume session.

They stated, “During this unprecedented time, our legislative body has worked to balance the health and safety of members, staff, and visitors with our constitutional obligation to pass a budget. The decision to move forward on April 27 was not an easy one, however it is absolutely critical for the people of Missouri that we keep the state government funded and services operating without interruption. We will use the intervening time to monitor the trajectory of Missouri’s coronavirus cases as well as assess the impact of newly-issued federal guidance and disaster funds on the state budget.”

Lawmakers suspended the legislative session in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They returned on April 8 to pass a $6 billion supplemental appropriations bill and emergency aid package for the current Fiscal Year 2020 state operating budget. While they were in the building, legislators and staff followed all recommended protocols to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. House and Senate leaders said the General Assembly will continue to follow the appropriate safety protocols when session resumes on April 27.

They said, “The General Assembly will continue to adhere to social distancing and infection mitigation procedures when members return. Committee hearings and legislative proceedings will remain open to the public and their testimony. We strongly encourage members of the public to follow social distancing guidelines and participate in the legislative process electronically when possible.”

Anyone interested in observing the legislative process can visit the Missouri House of Representatives website at www.house.mo.gov. The House provides video streams of all floor proceedings and most committee hearings.