Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation patching a budget hole and renewing a Medicaid program for disabled workers.
The budget fix took effect immediately upon Nixon's signature of the bill Monday. It will allow about $55 million to flow to early childhood programs and some health care initiatives that lacked a funding source under the budget that took effect July 1.
Another part of the bill will renew the Ticket to Work program. It covers about 1,300 disabled workers who otherwise would earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. The program was due to expire Aug. 28 but will be extended for an additional six years.
The legislation also authorizes the creation of a joint House and Senate committee to study Medicaid changes.