Today’s update relays the Governor’s actions related to freezing the state budget and the courts’ extension of social distancing measures.  Additionally, there is an update on the City of St. Louis’ response to COVID-19. 

RESOURCE ALLOCATION

• Governor Parson is preparing to freeze nearly $180 million in planned spending due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. In addition, Parson anticipates the State of Missouri may receive a little over $300 million in federal funds. COVID-19 has already had a major impact on the economy, but Governor Parson aspires to work out the budget in a way that helps lessen that impact.

ACTIONS IMPACTING AGENCY WORKFLOW

• The Missouri Supreme Court extended its statewide suspension of most in-person courtroom proceedings through May 1, 2020. The order is to apply to all in-person hearings before the appellate and circuit courts, including juvenile, family, and municipal. However, judges have been using, and will continue to use, teleconferencing and videoconferencing for hearings in an attempt to prevent a major backlog once social distancing restrictions are lifted.
• In an effort to continue social distancing and stop the spread of COVID-19, St. Louis City Buildings, including City Hall, will be closing until further notice. The Mayor of the City of St. Louis, Lyda Krewson, announced that visitors will no longer by allowed inside, and a very limited number of employees will remain at the buildings, while many continue to work from home. Like many businesses, this decision was made in the best interest of the citizens and employees.