MRTA Call to Action - TAX CREDIT STYLE SCHOOL VOUCHERS / OPEN ENROLLMENT

Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel (MRTA) would like to bring your attention to a critical matter that affects the future funding of education in our state. The Senate will soon be considering two tax credit-style school voucher bills - SB 727 and SB 729 and an open enrollment bill - SB 1051 will be heard in the Senate Select Committee on Empowering Missouri Parents and Children this week.

Click here to write your senator now! 

SB 727 (Senator Koenig):

This bill seeks to expand the existing tax credit voucher program, extending its reach to all counties in the state. It proposes a significant increase in the allowable annual amount of credits to $75 million and raising the qualifying income threshold to 400% of the income eligibility for reduced-price school lunch. Furthermore, SB 727 suggests an increase in the maximum per student award, factoring in students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), limited English proficiency, and free or reduced-price school lunch eligibility.

SB 729 (Senator Koenig): 

This proposed legislation introduces a new tax-credit-style voucher that provides a 100% credit for private school and home-schooling expenses up to the State Adequacy Target amount. Revenues from Proposition C will be deducted from each district in the amount of such credits granted to taxpayers residing in the district.  This program does not have a cap and would begin on January 1, 2025.

SB 1051 (Senator Trent):

This proposed legislation establishes provisions allowing enrollment of nonresident students in public school districts and modifies provisions regarding transportation costs for certain school districts.  This legislation is similar to HB 1989, but the provision also allows for the transfer of students from a traditional public school to a charter school. 

Currently, there is a separate funding mechanism for charter schools within Missouri statute.  In effect, SB 1051 raises concerns at the potential implications for equitable distribution of funds and resources for education.  This bill could allow charter schools to receive funds from both the charter school statute and the transfer of funds from the traditional public school under the open enrollment provision.

What are Vouchers?

There are many names for vouchers including Educational Savings Accounts (ESA), tax credits scholarships, or tuition tax credits.  Regardless of the name, vouchers take needed tax dollars away from revenue available for public schools.

What is open enrollment?

Open enrollment is a form of public school choice for children who attend Missouri’s public schools. It allows parents to choose public schools outside of their community. Families would have the option to choose any public school for their child, even if the receiving school is not in their zip code.

Why is MRTA Concerned?

Vouchers:

Tax credits reduce general revenue, which can reduce the funds available for public schools and students, exacerbating Missouri's already challenging funding position, ranking 49th in school funding.  These bills could cost the state of Missouri $875,000 to $1.5 billion per year. Less revenue translates to fewer opportunities and funding for Missouri public schools and students, particularly those with special academic needs who likely will not be able to attend private schools.

MRTA strongly opposes both SB 727 and SB 729. These bills divert critical tax dollars away from public schools, jeopardizing the foundation of strong public education and limiting opportunities for Missouri students. MRTA remains committed to advocating for public schools, students, school employees, and retirees, aiming to secure Missouri's education retirement systems.

Open Enrollment:

Supporters of the bill argue that a student's school options should not be limited merely by the zip code the child lives in. Removing this limitation provides opportunities for students and parents to choose alternative public schools that best meet the needs of their families while keeping public dollars in public schools.

Opponents of the bill argue open enrollment legislation will create funding problems for some public school districts.  Some districts will be forced into competition for students. Smaller districts may be forced to consolidate or close, which is a detriment to the local community and to the children attending those schools. In SB 1051 charter schools would be eligible for both the funding available to charter schools as well as the funds available from public schools. In states where open enrollment is available, there is very little evidence that shows open enrollment increases performance for students.  We have 519 school districts in Missouri that serve over 874,000 Missouri children. Many of those children live in rural Missouri and could be negatively impacted by school consolidation.

What Can You Do?

We urge you to take immediate action by writing to your legislators and expressing your opposition to SB 727, SB 729, and SB 1051. Click here to write your legislators now and make your voice heard.

Your support is invaluable in safeguarding the future of Missouri's public education. Please write to your legislators today and ask them to oppose SB 727, SB 729, and SB 1051. Your voice can make a difference in protecting the interests of our students and maintaining the strength of our public education system.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Together, we can ensure a bright future for education in Missouri.