Missouri lawmakers vote to renew Medicaid program held hostage by monthslong filibuster

The Republican-led Missouri Legislature voted Wednesday to renew a Medicaid program worth over $4 billion that had found itself in limbo for months.

Lawmakers debate on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City, Missouri, on Feb. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

If approved by voters, the Republican proposal would make it so constitutional amendments also need support from 51% of voters in a majority of congressional districts.

Senate Freedom Caucus members allowed a final Senate vote of approval on the Medicaid tax last week, even though the constitutional amendment change still has not passed the Legislature.

The House took the hospital tax renewal up Wednesday, voting 136-16 to send the measure to Parson.

Democratic House Minority Leader Crystal Quade on Wednesday told colleagues on the chamber floor that the tax is essential "to function as a government" and "provide the most basic services."

"This shouldn’t be used as a hostage in a terrorist negotiation," Quade said.

Republican Rep. Tony Lovasco argued that Missouri's reliance on the tax, and on federal Medicaid funding, hurts the state.

"The fact that we are yet again leaning on the federal government and their manufactured, printed money in order to get by in Missouri is just not a positive," Lovasco said on the House floor.

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Parson is expected to sign the bill.

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