Capitol Report

If you or your family members are in need of support at this time, please reach out to me, or to other community resources listed below. Over the next several months, the COVID-19 will continue to affect all of us in some way. As a community and as a state, we will come together and get to the other side of this crisis. 

Last week, the Missouri Legislature met to pass the supplemental budget. It was a very surreal experience to be in my office alone during floor debate and to be called in groups of four to vote.

Missouri is under a stay-at-home order until April 24. Many counties, including St. Louis City and St. Louis County, are also under stay-at-home orders.

Please keep talking about hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting, and the importance of social distancing.

Missourians in need during COVID-19 can find information about essential services available through the online Missouri Services Navigator system. This resource offers instant access to available programs and services such as school meal programs for students, food banks, child care, diaper banks, counseling and organizations that assist with housing, transportation or utilities issues. There are currently over 2,000 services listed, with new services added daily. Users can search by keyword, location and/or service. Every program and service contains a map of the location as well as contact information.

• Evictions in St. Louis City are on hold, and they are not being processed in St. Louis County. Many court proceedings in Missouri are delayed.
• Many utilities have agreed to not shut off service during this crisis.
• The deadline for filing Income Tax (state and federal) has been moved to July 15.
• Drivers' Licenses and motor vehicle licenses that are set to expire are given a 60 day extension.
• RealID waivers are extended until October 1, 2021.

All Missouri schools are closed through the end of the year. DESE and Governor Parson will be giving more guidance about the closing of the 2019-2020 school year.

The Missouri House Democratic Caucus has put forth recommendations for what the state can do to address the COVID-19 crisis. You can see them at https://www.molegdems.com/covid19.

If you or your business needs help with these or other issues, my office stands ready to help.

Yours in service,

Steve

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The United Way has a COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund. If you need help paying bills, rent, or food call 866-211-9966.  

Sheltering in place can be difficult for anyone, and some of our neighbors might not be safe due to violence at home. If you or someone you know needs help, please visit Safe Connections or call 314-531-2003.

You can also contact ALIVE at 314-993-2777.

How Can People Find Out When to Expect Their Checks?

The IRS is creating a website for tax filers to track the status of their checks. This applies to people who will receive their checks via direct deposit or check. The IRS says that website will go live "mid-April." Here is a link to where that website will appear once it goes live ("Filers: Get Your Payment").

Are There Any Resources to Help Someone Who Usually Doesn't File a Tax Return to Ensure They Receive What Amount They Are Eligible For?

Yes. First, the group of non-filers tends to be people who are low-income adults who are not elderly or disabled, as well as SSI and VA recipients.

Second, the IRS has just released a new web tool to help these people file. It is a quick, easy, no-cost process. People who want to use this tool to help others or themselves should visit this webpage ("Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here") to learn more about what information is needed to file.

Note that this is currently the only way to help non-filers file and because of that, internet access is required--community, nonprofit, and other organizational leaders who work with these individuals should be aware of that.

What If Someone Usually Gets Their Tax Refunds by Mail? Is There Any Way to Help Them Get Their Check Faster?

Yes. The IRS is setting up a web portal that will allow people who do not currently file taxes to use direct deposit to provide the IRS with their direct deposit information. Here is a link to where that web portal will appear once ready ("Filers: Get Your Payment") and note the IRS says it will go live "mid-April." It will take much longer for the IRS to send out paper checks. Note that the web portal is currently the only way to provide the IRS with direct deposit information.

MEDICAL RESOURCES

The Department of Health COVID-19 hotline is open from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Call 314-657-1499 with questions or concerns.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at 877-435-8411.

Rx Outreach Expands Eligibility Guidelines for Discounted Medication Program to Assist People Affected by COVID-19

Rx Outreach, the country’s largest non-profit, mail-order pharmacy, has announced the temporary expansion of its eligibility guidelines to help those affected by COVID-19. Membership is traditionally reserved for those earning less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, but now people facing severe financial hardship, as a direct result of the public health emergency, can enroll to receive access to discounted medications.

“As a mail-order pharmacy offering free shipping to all 50 states, Rx Outreach is uniquely positioned to help reduce the impact and spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Darryl Munden, President of Rx Outreach. “We want to be of service to people who have become unemployed, under-employed, or are facing financial difficulties due to illness or caring for a child or other immediate family member.”

“We know that because of COVID-19, countless people in the United States have to choose between food and medication,” added Carol Burcke, Director of Donor Engagement and Program Development. “Expanding eligibility aligns with our core strategies and belief that everyone deserves access to affordable medications. Please help us share this news with those who are in need. If you know anyone who is quarantined and afraid to go out to a pharmacy, please refer them to Rx Outreach."

CDC  RECOMMENDS CLOTH MASK

The CDC recommends the use of cloth masks to protect yourself and others when going to areas that may prove difficult to practice social distancing, like grocery stores and pharmacies. The use of cloth masks is believed to slow the spread of the virus, while also preserving much needed N-95 masks for healthcare workers and first responders, who must work in direct contact with those confirmed to have COVID-19.  

The CDC has directions for making two types of cloth masks, two that do not require sewing and one that does. Both types can be made out of items found in your home. For more information visit their website.