I hope you have all stayed warm and safe as those frigid temperatures blew through the state. The snow can be so beautiful but so treacherous as well. Here in the capitol, I’ve been busy at work for you. It’s only the fourth week of session so most of our time is spent in committee, hearing bills and debating policy.
For example, in the Senate Appropriations Committee this last week we heard Senate Bill 748 and voted it out by a vote of 12-1. This bill would authorize the federal reimbursement allowance, commonly called the FRA.
The FRA is a tool used by Missouri where hospitals voluntarily provide funds to the state, allowing the state to then draw down matching federal funds. This helps keep our rural hospitals, ambulance services, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities open. Missouri began using the FRA in 1991, and has reauthorized it every time it has been set to expire because of the critical funds it provides to our healthcare facilities.
I voted for the reauthorization of the FRA in 2021 and will continue to support it as I believe extending this program, which is set to expire this year, is one of the most truly pro-life things the Missouri legislature can do. Making sure that healthcare facilities in Missouri continue to remain open, affordable, and accessible leads to more successful healthcare outcomes for every person. Jeopardizing the FRA puts rural hospitals at risk to close. That would mean instead of rushing to Ozarks Healthcare, Cox Hospital Branson or Texas County Memorial Hospital for a healthcare emergency — citizens of the 33rd District would have to drive hours to Springfield, Cape Girardeau or across the border into Arkansas for life-saving care.
As your senator I’ve always fought for affordable and accessible healthcare. Not just for the citizens of my district but all of Missouri. We must strive to keep everyone healthy and alive in Missouri and we can do that by passing the FRA.
As always, my office doors are open to any of my constituents. If you’re in Jefferson City go ahead and drop on by. My offices are located in room 320.
