SEN. TALENT ANNOUNCES DELIVERY OF $95 MILLION IN STATE AID FOR MISSOURI - Missouri Expected to Receive More Than $398 Million in Total State Aid

(WASHINGTON, D.C. 9/30/03) U.S. Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.) today announced the federal government will send Missouri $95 million in state aid tomorrow, the first day of the new federal fiscal year, as part of the President's Jobs and Growth Package.  The payment is the latest installment of state aid for Missouri included in legislation passed by the U.S. Senate on May 23 and signed into law by President Bush. 

"I've said I want this Congress to be known as the pro-jobs, pro-growth Congress," Talent said.  "This federal assistance will help protect essential services for Missourians including health care and education as we work to pass an agenda that helps stimulate job creation and economic growth."

Overall, Missouri is expected to receive more than $398 million in total state aid.  This total includes $190 million in flexible funding to be used for essential services such as education and health care.  Missouri received its first payment of $95 million in flexible funding on June 20 and tomorrow's $95 million payment is the final installment.  Additionally, Missouri has been receiving quarterly payments in special Medicaid assistance that will total about $208 million.  The state will continue to receive these Medicaid payments over the first three quarters of the new fiscal year.

Sen. Talent said passing the jobs and growth bill for families and small businesses is a significant accomplishment, and added that he is hopeful the Congress will continue to be productive for Missouri by supporting the nation's transportation infrastructure sector, sending a Medicare prescription drug bill to the President's desk and producing a comprehensive energy bill.