This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, April 25, 2012 - The Missouri Senate restored the state’s longstanding aid program for the blind in its version of the state’s $24 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
The Senate acted early Wednesday, after nine senators had ended their efforts to stall proceedings in order to get further budget trims. Most of the nine, however, voted in favor of restoring the program for the blind, which had been slashed in the House’s version of the budget.
State Sen. Jim Lembke, R-Lemay, sponsored the restoration amendment. “The budget from the Missouri House cut health care to 2,800 blind Missourians,” he said. “This is unacceptable. These individuals are some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
The Senate and the House will now engage in negotiations to resolve their budget differences. The state constitution requires that a budget be presented to the governor by May 11.
By a narrow 17-15 vote, the Senate approved a pay hike for state workers who earn under $45,000 a year. The House would allow 2 percent increases for those earning up to $70,000. Gov. Jay Nixon’s proposed budget had called for an across-the-board pay increase, noting state workers have gone without a raise since 2009.
The House and Senate also have stripped from the budget a proposed $50 million upgrade to the state’s Medicaid computer system, even though it would be largely funded by the federal government, because Republican leaders believe it would help in the implementation of the federal health care changes, known as Obamacare, that Republicans oppose.
In a statement Wednesday, Nixon ignored any differences and focused on the Senate’s action regarding the blind.
“I commend the Missouri Senate for adopting Sen. Jim Lembke’s amendment to restore full funding for the state’s health care program for needy, blind Missourians,” the governor said. “For decades, Missouri has provided this efficient and compassionate program that offers essential health care services for blind Missourians with very limited financial means. I urge the General Assembly to send me a budget that maintains full funding for this vital lifeline.”
Also lauding the Senate's action was state Rep. Scott, Sifton, D-Affton, one of Lembke's Democratic opponents. “We called on Senator Lembke to restore the cuts and it happened.” Sifton said. “It is clear that the pressure we applied made a difference for some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”
