(The Center Square) – The Missouri House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday providing $2.2 million to fund Republican Gov. Mike Parson’s order sending personnel to the U.S. border.
Parson requested the funds on Feb. 21 when he signed an executive order to send 200 members of the Missouri National Guard and 22 Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to Texas to support Operation Lone Star. The effort is being executed by Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
The Missouri National Guard and state troopers will be utilized in rotating shifts.
The supplemental appropriation, House Bill 2016, passed in a 122-12 vote with bipartisan support. The bill if passed by the Senate would provide $2 million from the general revenue fund to pay for duties performed under Parson’s order. An additional $115,074 would be directed to personal services for the Highway Patrol and $91,683 for expenses and equipment.
“Missouri’s approval of $2.2 million in emergency funds underscores our state’s proactive approach to safeguarding our borders and supporting our law enforcement personnel,” Rep. Cody Smith, R-Carthage, and a candidate for his party’s nomination for treasurer, said in a statement. “These funds will ensure that our National Guard members and law enforcement personnel have the resources necessary to fulfill their duties effectively. This investment demonstrates our readiness to respond to challenges posed by illegal immigration while ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”
The bill was reported to the Senate and had a first reading on Thursday.
