Log in

State Rep. John Black to serve as Chairman of House Committee Overseeing Critical Spending Decisions for Health, Mental Health, and Social Services

Posted

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. John Black will play a pivotal role in the budget making process as he chairs a committee charged with determining funding levels for several vital state departments, including the state’s Medicaid program. Black was named the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Health, Mental Health, and Social Services by House Speaker Dean Plocher.

In naming him to lead the committee, Plocher praised Black for his previous work as a member of the House Budget Committee and for his commitment to ensuring the state utilizes taxpayer dollars in the most efficient, responsible way possible.

“John is a true fiscal conservative who understands the incredibly important duty we have as stewards of Missourians’ tax dollars. I know he will do an outstanding job in leading this committee that oversees funding for the largest segment of our budget. The committee will have tough decisions to make but I know they will produce a spending plan that preserves vital services while cutting any wasteful spending,” said Plocher, R-St. Louis.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee chaired by Black will help craft the budgets for the state departments of Health, Mental Health, and Social Services. Funding for the state’s Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet, is included the bills the committee will produce. In the most recent budget the bills overseen by the committee allocated more than $20 billion in funding. Black will work with the members of his committee to put together a spending plan for the three departments that will then move to the House Budget Committee for review before moving to the House floor.

“I’m honored to have the trust of the Speaker to lead this committee and excited to get to work with my colleagues to put together a fiscally responsible spending plan. We know the Medicaid budget takes up an enormous portion of

our state budget and it’s important that we look at each of these dollars closely to make sure they are spent appropriately. Our committee has long hours of work ahead of it, but I know we’re ready to take on this extremely important task,” said Black, R-Marshfield.

In addition to his duties as the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee, Black will continue his service as a member of the House Budget Committee. Black will also serve on the House Ethics Committee and will continue his service on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Utilities Committee.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here



X
X