CAPITOL REPORT: REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA PIKE
RESOURCES AND UPDATES
Dear Citizens: Many changes have happened in Missouri and our nation during the last few weeks as the focus on COVID-19 issues has expanded. On the state level, Governor Parson has waived or relaxed nearly 170 statutes and regulations in order to ease regulatory burdens that would have interfered with the state’s COVID-19 response efforts and state agencies are working to provide resources and information to local levels. On March 27, Governor Parson signed Executive Order 20-06to begin mobilizing the Missouri National Guard to assist with COVID-19 response. Following are other recent state updates and information to utilize and share on:
Small Business Support: If you own a small business and need assistance, you may apply for a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration. Applicants will be able to apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. NOTE: Ask if the latest Federal Stimulus Package will include forgivable loans or grants before finalizing any loans. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
Unemployment: If you have unexpectedly found yourself out of work during this crisis, the Missouri Department of Labor offers directions on how to file for unemployment on its website: https://labor.mo.gov/coronavirus.
Income Taxes: The deadline to file income tax returns has been extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – The Family Support Division is waiving all work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents for 90 days. Other Food Stamp/SNAP changes are also being determined. Website: https://mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/food-stamp-program
Licenses: Valid Missouri driver licenses, nondriver licenses and noncommercial instruction permits with original expiration dates of March 1, 2020, through April 30, 2020, have been granted an automatic 60-day extension. Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the REAL ID License enforcement deadline is extended to October 1, 2021.
Information: Further information about the COVID-19 outbreak can be found on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ website: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/, along with a 24 hour hotline to call: 877-435-8411.
Missouri Receives Approval for Major Disaster Declaration: Missouri recently received news that President Trump approved a request for a federal major disaster declaration for Missouri. With the federal disaster declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program will be utilized to reimburse eligible expenditures made by local governments, nonprofit organizations, and the state for emergency protective measures by first responders and others responding to the coronavirus. The state is still waiting on word regarding other requests made by the governor.
Daily Updates: MO State Department Directors and Governor Parson are providing up-to-date information for citizens daily at 3:00 p.m. on the Governor’s Facebook page (under Governor Mike Parson). Those live updates are also archived on his Facebook page for citizens to watch at their convenience.
My office is working remotely and we are available to assist you at Patricia.Pike@house.mo.gov or by calling 573-751-5388. Many thanks go to our first responders, health professionals and so many more during this challenging time.
