Support for SB 1, but not Planned Parenthood

Report from the 62nd District

State Rep. Bruce Sassmann
Posted 7/7/21

This past week, I traveled back to Jefferson City for the first special session of 2021.

Governor Parson called a special session of the legislature to renew the Federal Reimbursement Allowance …

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Support for SB 1, but not Planned Parenthood

Report from the 62nd District

Posted

This past week, I traveled back to Jefferson City for the first special session of 2021.
Governor Parson called a special session of the legislature to renew the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) program. Under the program, hospitals, nursing homes, and pharmacies provide funds to the state and MO HealthNet uses these funds to draw down matching federal dollars. The state collects approximately $1.6 billion, which draws down $2.9 billion in federal support.
We were told that Governor Parson would need to cut $722 million from budget if the FRA wasn’t renewed.
Last week, the Senate passed SB 1 to renew the FRA program. The provision prohibits the state’s Medicaid program from covering any drug or device approved by the FDA that may cause the destruction of, or prevent the implantation of, an unborn child. The House gave final approval to SB 1 on June 30 and it was promptly signed by the Governor.
I also proudly voted to completely defund Planned Parenthood in Missouri.
The House passed HB 2, which makes it unlawful for any public funds to be expended to any abortion facility, or to any affiliate or associate of the facility. Unfortunately, Senate leadership chose to adjourn without taking up our bill.
However, I’ve been assured that Governor Parson is working on a plan that uses his executive authority to defund Planned Parenthood.
As we approach Independence Day, I’ve been thinking of the things that make America great.
When we gather each Fourth of July to barbecue, shoot fireworks, and watch parades, we are remembering what it means to be an American. We admire the courage and the perseverance of those who stood before us, who built the foundations on which we now stand. We honor their sacrifice and their willingness to take on incredible challenges in pursuit of the dream that would become America.
It is because of them that we live today in the greatest nation on earth, and enjoy freedoms that are envied and emulated by nations around the globe.