Missouri lawmakers passed a bill to expand private school scholarships statewide, offering up to $6,375 per child for various education expenses. This victory for advocates of school choice was the result of compromises, including a commitment to invest more in public schools. The expansion of Missouri Empowerment Scholarships Accounts allows low-income families to access funds from private donors in exchange for tax credits. The current program limits recipients to residents of the state’s largest cities and families making less than $62,400 annually for a family of four. The new bill raises the income cap to $93,600 and provides additional scholarship money for public school students with individualized education plans.
The bill also includes provisions to increase the cap on tax credits for private donations and raise minimum teacher salaries to $40,000 per year. Lawmakers adjusted the state’s formula for funding public schools, anticipating a boost in funding for public education over time. Despite the positive aspects of the bill, some House Democrats raised concerns about the state’s ability to fulfill the promised influx of funding for public schools in the future. The legislation also allows charter schools in Boone County and requires public votes for school districts to switch to four-day school weeks, as well as incentives for schools maintaining five-day weeks.
The issue of “school choice” has divided lawmakers in Missouri, with rural GOP legislators opposing charter schools in their areas due to concerns about drawing students away from traditional public schools. Democrats, on the other hand, advocate for more options for students in underperforming urban schools. The bill also faced opposition from conservatives who opposed more regulations for homeschoolers and private schools. Activists took unconventional approaches to express their concerns, with one handing out “dog poop” brownies before the vote, symbolizing potential unwanted provisions in the bill. Despite the bipartisan support for expanding access to charter schools, virtual schools, and private schools, the bill has sparked debate and division among lawmakers.
Overall, the legislation represents a significant step towards expanding school choice options for families in Missouri. However, concerns remain about the state’s ability to fulfill the financial commitments to public schools in the future. The compromises made to pass the bill, including raising the income cap for scholarship recipients and increasing funding for public education, reflect the complex balance between promoting school choice and supporting traditional public schools. Moving forward, the implementation and impact of the bill on education outcomes for students in Missouri will be closely monitored and analyzed.
