HB 592, HCA 1 -- MULTICULTURAL PROGRAM AND COMMITTEE

CO-SPONSORS:  Williams, Crawford, Levin, Shelton

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Fiscal
Review and Government Reform by a vote of 7 to 0.

This bill establishes a Missouri Multicultural Center and
Program within the office of the Lieutenant Governor.  The
program will serve as a resource for immigrants, state agencies,
businesses, advocacy groups, and political subdivisions in the
state.  The program must develop outreach material in various
formats and informational sources that will assist immigrants.
The information must be made available in an electronic format.

A Multicultural Citizens' Advisory Committee is also established
within the office of the Lieutenant Governor to develop and
implement the program.  The committee will consist of 25
members.  The appointment, terms, and compensation of the
committee are outlined in the bill.  The Lieutenant Governor is
authorized to employ an executive director for the committee.

The bill has an emergency clause.

HCA 1 -- Allows the Missouri Multicultural Center and Program to
contract for provisions of information and services with any
higher educational facility in the state.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of
$75,166 in FY 2002, $107,339 in FY 2003, and $110,117 in FY 2004.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is the recommendation
of a 1999 interim committee.  The Missouri economy is attracting
immigrants to all parts of Missouri.  Immigrants need help to
adapt to Missouri's laws, health requirements, and school
requirements.  Missouri communities and immigrants are
unprepared for the social change resulting from cultural
mingling.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Williams; Dr. Rex
Campbell, University of Missouri; Judy Davenport, University of
Missouri; West Central Missouri Multicultural Forum; Elvera
Saterwhite; and Lieutenant Governor's Office.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Roland Tackett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:44 am