Senate Ways and Means Committee Hears Education Scholarship Bill

This week, the Senate Ways and Means Committee heard SB 581, sponsored by Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee's Summit), which would allow taxpayers to receive a tax credit for donations made to the "Bright Futures Scholarship Fund," a fund to be administered by the State Treasurer. The fund would make scholarships available to underprivileged and special education students, allowing them to attend qualifying private schools. Students currently attending public school as well as those just moving to Missouri could take advantage of the scholarships. The program is capped at $25 million the first year, but the cap could increase by 10% annually if 90% of the scholarships are utilized. The MCC testified in support of the bill.