MO HCR56

Establishes the Missouri Child Poverty Council to examine child poverty and recommend methods to improve financial stability and well-being of children in the state

Council membership includes 4 legislators (2 Senate, 2 House with equal party representation), representatives from 4 state departments (social services, health and senior services, elementary and secondary education, economic development), and representatives from legal services, maternal/child health advocacy, Citizens for Missouri's Children, Partnership for Children, community action agencies, faith-based organizations, Head Start, and University of Missouri system

Council must develop a ten-year plan by September 2012 to reduce child poverty by at least 50% by January 31, 2020, including analysis of poverty occurrence, long-term effects, program inventory, and identification of funding deficiencies

Plan implementation shall prioritize workforce training, educational opportunities, affordable housing, early care programs, after-school programs, health care access, substance abuse treatment, and childhood nutrition programs

Council shall submit plan in September 2012 and provide annual progress reports through September 2022, then terminate on June 30, 2023