Missouri will have a bloated budget in the next fiscal year, thanks to the federal government's response to the waning pandemic.
The Missouri Legislature recently approved a budget of more than $49 billion. It's the largest budget in the state's history and more than $8 billion more than the current budget.
Transparency in government spending is always important, but it becomes even more critical in situations like this. Often, emergency-type spending bypasses the usual controls and procedures in favor of speed. We've seen instances across the nation of questionable COVID-19 spending.
So we're encouraged Missouri, while adding significantly to the budget, is also adding transparency.
Gov. Mike Parson announced the launch of moarpa.mo.gov. The site is operational now, and will contain more detailed information starting in July.
It's a public website designed to guide users through the spending from Missouri's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). It will also provide information on how Missouri organizations, nonprofits, municipalities, businesses, communities and other entities can apply for the State's ARPA funds.
"We want to use this historic funding to make responsible investments that best serve Missourians," Parson said in a statement. "This website provides a one-stop shop to see how these funds are being spent and also how to apply for funding. We owe it to the people of Missouri to be transparent in our spending efforts and ensure these funds are used in the most effective ways possible."
There are certain categories of allowable spending for the state's ARPA funds, including projects or programs that support public health expenditures; address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19; replace lost public sector revenue; or invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.
We commend the state for keeping Missourians in the loop when it comes to state spending, particularly the large amount of money being spent on pandemic recovery.
News Tribune