House boosts funding for Meals on Wheels

From a news release

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri House of Representatives today agreed to allocate over $2 million in additional funding for meal programs, which provide meal services to help those men and women who are elderly, homebound, disabled, frail, or at risk. The programs were originally slated to be increased by $1.4 million in the proposed House budget for 2006, but that amount was amended late Tuesday evening on the House floor to include an additional appropriation of $622,685. The amendment passed unanimously by a vote of 155-0.

"These great programs provide hot, nutritious meals to the sick and elderly in need," said Speaker Rod Jetton. "The actions taken by the House today will provide nearly 345,000 additional meals in fiscal year 2006."

Jetton’s figure is based on a Department of Health and Senior Services simulation, which estimated the cost per meal to be $5.80.

"This additional funding for meal programs will be greatly appreciated by the elderly and disabled constituents in my district and across the state," stated Representative Steven Tilley.

The appropriation was added as an amendment to House Bill 10.

http://www.suntimesnews.com/7/News%20archi...5/0414house.htm