House Budget Committee Approves $320 Million in Rental Assistance

The House Budget Committee advanced a measure this week that allows for $320 million in rental assistance for Missourians. HB 16, sponsored by Rep. Cody Smith (R-Carthage), appropriates money from the $25 billion in rental assistance funds approved by Congress as part of the December COVID-19 relief package. Missouri was awarded $408 million based on its population, but the state's seven largest counties could apply directly to the U.S. Treasury to receive the funds. That totaled about $90 million, leaving about $320 million left to be distributed by the state.

About $10 million of the funding has been awarded to local nonprofits and agencies to provide rental and utility assistance. The remaining funds will be distributed by the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). The Director of MHDC said the number of Missouri households at risk of eviction was between 150,000 to 230,000. Applications for assistance will not be open until the legislature approves the bill. The House is expected to approve HB 16 later this week.