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Update on Benefits Cliff Legislation
Last year, the Missouri General Assembly passed legislation which would allow recipients of public assistance benefits (TANF, SNAP, and child care subsidies) to continue to receive benefits on a graduated scale if they took a pay raise or promotion and had income above qualifying levels. The point was to encourage work and help people out of poverty. We have been in conversation with legislators and members of the Governor’s cabinet this session to encourage them to follow through on this legislative effort. The Governor included money in his proposed budget to prepare state computer systems to implement the program. We have since learned, however, that the federal government agencies that administer these programs have told lawmakers that the language passed doesn’t match federal requirements and that the state would have to fund the program with state general revenue. Lawmakers from both sides of the isle are working with the federal agencies, along with the Governor’s administration, to find a way to make this program a reality this year. We remain hopeful, but time is running short. Stay tuned.
CCUSA President to Join “Civilize It” Conversation
CCUSA President and CEO, Kerry Alys Robinson, will join in a conversation about civilizing our public discourse on Wednesday, March 20th at 4 p.m. ET (3 p.m. CT). Anyone is free to listen in on the discussion, moderated by Gloria Purvis. You can get more information about this program that will explore our current polarized political climate and how Church teaching can help heal this divide. More information can be found here:
Missouri General Assembly Out for Spring Break
The Missouri General Assembly will be out next week for spring break. When they return on March 25th, there will be eight weeks of session remaining, during which time they must pass the state budget, among other things. No update next week. Look for more information about the remaining weeks of session in the next Update on March 29th.
Deacon Tyler
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