Missouri Governor Parson Signs Historic School Choice Law
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Today, Governor Mike Parson signed HB349 into law, creating the first private school choice program in the state of Missouri. This innovative program will grant families access to resources and tools to assist in various educational needs for their children.
Statement from Tommy Schultz, CEO of The American Federation for Children:
“Today is a historic day for parents and students in Missouri. This program will empower parents to make the best decision for their children in order to ensure access to a high-quality education. School choice is on the rise nationwide and this represents vital progress for educational opportunity in Missouri. We are all thankful for Governor Mike Parson and the courageous Missouri legislative leadership – especially Speaker Rob Vescovo, Senate Leader Caleb Rowden, Senator Andrew Koenig, and Representative Phil Christofanelli and their commitment to putting students first.”
Details:
- Creates a $25 million Education Savings Account program that provides eligible students $6,350 for educational expenses to attend the public, charter, virtual, private or home school of their choice
- Eligible students include any student who attended public school in the previous year or is entering school for the first time
- Students with an IEP or a family income below Free and Reduced Price Lunch would be given first preference; children in a family making less than 200% of Free and Reduced Price Lunch would be given second preference and all other eligible students would come after them
- The $25 million program is funded by a 100% tax credit
