JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri lawmakers are to question officials in Gov. Jay Nixon’s administration Monday on how the state spends money to help refugees amid concern about the resettling of Syrians in the United States.
The House Budget Committee hearing is the latest response by state lawmakers to Nixon’s decision not to join other governors who are seeking to block Syrian refugees from relocating in their states.
While Nixon’s decision received support from some lawmakers and faith groups, it also led to a wave of backlash, primarily among Republican legislators, who cite concerns with the screening process for refugees.
“Because of our governor’s lack of leadership … we will try to find ways to protect the safety and well-being of the citizens of the Show-Me State,” Senate President Pro Tempore Ron Richard said in a statement announcing the budget hearing.
Senate majority caucus spokesman Lauren Hieger said the aim is to figure out what the state financial burden is in terms of refugee assistance. While lawmakers allocate funding, state agencies have some leeway in how they use it.
According to a federal database, 29 Syrian refugees have settled in Missouri this year.