Educational Choice Bills Get Early Hearings

Bills creating scholarship accounts for educational choice got early hearings in both the Missouri House and Senate as the General Assembly begins its work for the 2021 legislative session. Senate and House bills creating the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program and the Show Me a Brighter Future Scholarship Act have been heard in committee hearings in both chambers. In the Missouri Senate, the Empowerment Scholarship Account Program was voted out of committee and was rolled into a large school choice bill. SB 55, sponsored by Senator Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelby), also includes expansion of charter schools, among other provisions. It is expected to get floor time in the Senate next week. The MCC testified in support of the scholarship account programs and will be reporting on them as they are debated further.