HB 1303 -- FOSTER CARE REIMBURSEMENT SPONSOR: Troupe COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children, Families and Health by a vote of 15 to 0. This bill incrementally increases the reimbursement rate for the cost of foster care over a five-year period until the rate equals the minimum rate used for housing minimum security prisoners, beginning in the 2004 fiscal year. FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Cost to General Revenue Fund of $0 in FY 2003, $13,822,549 in FY 2004, and $28,654,686 in FY 2005. PROPONENTS: Supporters say that Missouri ranks 50th among the states for the dollar amount allowed for foster care reimbursement. Most foster parents are devoted to providing a nurturing and supportive environment. Monetary considerations are not the primary factor motivating them to become foster parents. The state should support devoted foster parents by increasing the reimbursement rate. Testifying for the bill were Representative Holand; Midwest Foster Care and Adoption Association; Foster Care and Adoptive Care Coalition; and Citizens for Missouri's Children. OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee. Joseph Deering, Legislative AnalystCopyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives