JEFFERSON CITY – In an effort to find ways to save on Missouri’s social service program, Senate Leader Rob Mayer has appointed a new committee to study the state’s programs.

Mayer, named five senators this week to serve on the Special Senate Committee on Social Service Program Savings. The committee is charged with conducting hearings in order to examine past and anticipated changes in the participation and cost of each social service program offered in Missouri.

“Missouri is facing an on-going budget crisis,” Mayer said. “As we have fewer dollars to fund our priority of education, as well as the critical functions of government, it becomes even more important that we find ways to counteract the hundreds of millions of dollars in annual mandatory increases embedded in our social service programs. We should examine ways we can provide better care and save lives, while also saving money.”

Members appointed to serve include three Republican and two Democrats. Appointed were Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph; Sen. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington; Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah; Sen. Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis; Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City.

Schaaf will serve as chair of the special committee.

“The severity of our current budget crisis demands that all solutions be considered, including options such as federal block granting, which has never been considered in our state,” said Schaaf. “We will meet our fiduciary duty to the state by looking at these options and reporting our findings.”

The committee will meet weekly in hopes of submitting an initial report of recommended actions before March 1, the last day to introduce bills in the Senate. The committee will continue its work after that date until a final report of findings is submitted to the Senate.