Roorda: Budget Relief Possible, Unemployment Claims, Public Defenders Can't Refuse New Cases

STATE COULD GET NEARLY $400 MILLION IN BUDGET RELIEF

Congress on Aug. 10 gave final approval to a $26 billion extension of stimulus programs, with Missouri expected to receive nearly $400 million for Medicaid and public schools. State Budget Director Linda Luebbering said Missouri could get up to $210 million for the state's Medicaid program and $189 million for schools. As much as possible, Gov. Jay Nixon's administration wants to use the federal funds to free up state general revenue that can be saved to bolster next year's budget, which is expected to have a $600 million shortfall.

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Unemployment Telephone Lines

The Division of Employment Security telephone lines will close on Thursday, August 12, for one day only. During this time, all Claims Center staff will be making calls to those who have been identified as potentially eligible for either Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) benefits or Extended Benefits (EB).

Over 50,000 letters were sent last week to potential claimants advising them to contact us in regard to their claims. Consequently, the department has received an enormous amount of calls.

So on Thursday, the Division of Employment Security will attempt to reach many of those claimants possible who have not been able to get through the telephone system. Calls will also be made by DES staff on Saturday to identified claimants.

JUDGE SAYS PUBLIC DEFENDERS CAN'T REFUSE NEW CASES

Christian County Circuit Judge John Waters on Aug. 10 ruled that the Missouri State Public Defender's Office can't refuse to accept new clients due to excessive caseloads. Officials with the public defender's system, however, noted that the Missouri Supreme Court has already ruled that it can and plan to appeal Waters' decision.

Public defenders offices in several of Missouri's judicial circuits have started refusing to accept new clients and other offices are considering doing so. The system has cited the lack of sufficient resources to cope with caseloads that far exceed professional standards. While acknowledging that public defenders are overburdened, Waters said criminal defendants have a constitutional right to an attorney and that the system can't turn away indigent clients who qualify for representation.

The Supreme Court last year struck down rules that sought to allow the public defender system to refuse to accept certain types of cases but said the system can be closed to all new clients when caseload limits are exceeded.

If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I enjoy serving my constituents as "their" voice in the Missouri State Capitol.