MO House leaders push for passage of hospital tax bill

A top priority this year for many members of the Missouri House and Senate is passing a bill to help pay for the state’s Medicaid costs. 

The federal reimbursement allowance bill, also known as the FRA, taxes Missouri hospitals to help with those expenses. 

Far-right Conservatives are expected to pick up where they left off last year, by blocking bills, possibly jeopardizing the fate of many of them, including the FRA. 

House Speaker Dean Plocher, a Republican from St. Louis County says Missouri cannot afford to not pass the bill… 

“How vital is three-and-a-half to $4 billion on a $50 billion budget if we don't get it passed? I don't think our budget can absorb a three and a half to $4 billion hit,” says Plocher. * 

Democratic leader Crystal Quade, of Springfield, says if the bill does not pass, state funding is at risk for things like public education.