Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573)751-0290
Governor Reiterates Commitment to First Steps Children
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Blunt today reiterated his commitment to children and families enrolled in Missouri’s First Steps program.
"I care about children with developmental disabilities and have been working to ensure they get the care they need," Blunt said. "It is out of this genuine concern that I have proposed improvements to Missouri’s First Steps program that will enhance the delivery of services to children who depend on them and a $5 million increase for Parents as Teachers, an organization that provides early screening services to help identify disabilities in young Missourians."
Blunt’s proposed improvements would cover service costs by looking to private insurance to pay first, Medicaid to pay second, and Missouri taxpayers to pay last. Blunt’s recommendations also include a reasonable family participation fee for those who can afford it ranging from $5 a month for families earning $24,000 per year to $100 a month for families earning $143,000 per year.
Blunt’s proposed improvements are winning the support of First Steps providers and parents alike. Carissa Mattern, mother of a First Steps child in the St. Louis area, expressed concern about Blunt’s calls for improvements in the program initially, but after learning of his commitment to the children and the future sustainability of the program she has endorsed his call for change.
"Governor Blunt has taken decisive actions to make sure no child who needs these special services will go without them," Mattern said. "First Steps has improved the quality of life for countless children in Missouri by helping them learn how to work through their disabilities. The governor’s responsible proposals will help preserve this important program for both current and future generations."