If enacted, SB1787 would significantly impact state law related to support services for deaf-blind individuals. This amendment would allow for a structured funding mechanism to benefit various organizations focused on enhancing the lives of deaf-blind individuals. By providing grants for family support advocates and education specialists, the bill aims to bridge some of the existing gaps in community services available to deaf-blind residents. Moreover, the bill emphasizes training for support service providers, setting a foundation for improved quality of assistance available to this population.
Summary
Senate Bill 1787 aims to modify existing provisions relating to grants for deaf-blind individuals and their families. The bill seeks to repeal the current section 161.412, RSMo, and establish a new section that focuses on providing financial assistance through grants to organizations serving the deaf-blind community. The funding is intended to support services for both deaf-blind children and adults, helping facilitate their integration and independence within society. Specifically, the bill empowers the Missouri commission for the deaf and hard of hearing to allocate these grants based on a competitive request-for-proposal process.
Contention
While there are multiple benefits associated with SB1787, discussions surrounding the bill may reveal points of contention regarding the adequacy of the allocated funding, which is capped at three hundred thousand dollars annually. Some stakeholders may argue whether this amount is sufficient to cover the extensive needs of the deaf-blind community or if it might limit the capacity of organizations to deliver impactful services. Additionally, concerns may arise related to the competitive nature of the grant process, questioning if it could favor larger organizations over smaller, community-based ones, potentially impacting service access for individuals who need them most.
Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the State Board of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Requires state departments to report on obsolete administrative entities, repeals certain administrative entities and repeals and reassigns duties for certain other administrative entities
Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Commerce and Insurance, and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Reduces the assessment percentage of certain personal property and provides a personal property tax exemption for certain personal property upon adoption of a constitutional amendment authorizing such exemption