Missouri governor calls lawmakers back to work on virus aid

(AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is calling state lawmakers back to work to give his administration the authority to dole out additional federal coronavirus aid funding.

Parson on Wednesday announced the special session. It is slated to begin Nov. 5. That’s two days after the Nov. 3 gubernatorial election.

Parson says the session is needed to allow the state to hand out federal money for school food programs, job training and homelessness prevention.

Democratic House Minority Leader Crystal Quade says the special session is a political stunt before the election. She questions whether it’s even necessary.