KANSAS CITY, Mo. — COVID-19 has had “devastating impacts” on public health, the economy and state revenues, according to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.
Parson said during a press conference on Tuesday that they will have to take a “hard look” at the state budget, and within the next week to 10 days, there will be “withholds” taking place to get through this year alone.
On July 1, those actions will take place “throughout the state,” according to Parson, unless the federal government provides additional resources beyond the CARES Act.
“If that doesn’t come in, then we are a long way from having the money we need to move into 2021, and significant decisions will have to be made as we move forward,” Parson said.
While there are federal funds available through the CARES Act that will help Missouri, Parson said that there still will be challenges.
A working group was established in April, led by Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, to help make recommendations on the use of that federal funding. The group’s second meeting will take place on Thursday and will be live streamed on the treasurer’s Facebook page.
A webpage also has been created to provide the public with updates from the working group and the CARES Act funds.
