We are pleased to share the results of the MRTA Legislative Survey that we conducted in May 2024. This survey was developed with input from our Strategic Planning Advocacy Committee and MRTA Legislative Committee and consisted of 20 carefully worded questions designed to gauge the perspectives and priorities of candidates running for Statewide, House, and Senate seats in Missouri.

The survey was distributed both electronically and by mail to all 427 candidates across these positions throughout the state. We received responses from 143 candidates, and attached is a summary of their answers for your review. For candidates who did not provide a response, it indicates at the bottom of the survey that they did not complete our survey. Additionally, where you see missing entries, it means that the candidate chose to leave those questions unanswered.

We believe this survey provides valuable insights into where candidates stand on issues important to our members and our mission. Your understanding of these positions will be instrumental as we move forward in our advocacy and support efforts.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support. Should you have any questions or need further clarification on the survey results, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Remember there is strength in numbers!  The world is run by people that show up!  Stay Active, Stay Engaged, Stay Missouri Retired Teachers Strong—Get Out and Vote!

If candidates in your area have not filled out the survey, please share this link with them and ask them to fill it out:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RMRW89L

Click here to find out your district numbers. 

Candidate Survey Results - Sorted by Positions

Candidate Survey Results - Sorted by Last Name

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.

 
North Dakota's Underfunded PERS Plan
In 2023, North Dakota faced a funding crisis with its Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plan, as the legislature had consistently underfunded it since 2003. The decision to close the plan for new hires starting January 1, 2025, raises apprehensions about the long-term impact on teachers' retirement security. Insights from Michigan and Alaska provide a glimpse into the potential ramifications of such decisions.

Michigan's Prolonged Struggles
Michigan's closure of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) plan in 1997 serves as a cautionary tale, especially for teachers. More than 26 years later, thousands of active employees in the closed plan are still dealing with the consequences. The decision has not only resulted in increased costs of over $300 million for the state but has also affected the retirement security of teachers who were part of the closed plan.

Alaska's Teacher Turnover Crisis
Alaska experienced changes to its pension plans in 2005. While not a complete closure, the changes made have had a significant impact on teachers there. Higher turnover and resignation rates among staff in defined contribution plans as compared to those in the now-closed pension plans pose new challenges in retaining educators. The National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) Center for Retirement Research found that pension cuts increase employee turnover, and Alaska's case is no exception.

Impact on Teacher Recruitment and Retention
Teacher recruitment and retention are severely affected by pension plan closures, as seen in Alaska, where nearly half of newly hired teachers leave before their third year. This turnover rate poses challenges for education quality and student instruction. In contrast, according to NIRS research, pensions provide a financial incentive for teachers to stay on the job. As a result, when educators are a part of a pension plan, schools have more experienced teachers in the classroom, which ultimately benefits students and education.

Addressing Challenges
Efforts in Alaska and Michigan to reassess pension plan decisions indicate a recognition of the challenges posed. Communicating the enduring costs of higher turnover, especially in the education sector, remains a crucial aspect of policymaking. It is imperative that decisions impacting the retirement security of teachers are made with a comprehensive understanding of their long-term effects.

MRTA's Commitment
The Missouri Retired Teachers Association reaffirms its commitment to advocating for students, public schools, school employees, and retirees. Our vision is to secure Missouri’s education retirement systems by promoting and protecting public education resulting in a financially secure retirement/pension. The Association stands against legislation that could adversely affect these groups while actively working to maintain and enhance current funding, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and accounting standards.  MRTA is the best investment to protect your largest asset - your pension!

This week the Missouri House of Representatives is scheduled to bring to the floor for perfection HB 1989 (Pollitt) – an open enrollment bill.  HB 1989 establishes transfer procedures to non-resident districts for students in public schools.    MRTA is concerned how this bill will affect students, schools, and local communities.  The possible ramifications of this legislation vary from district to district.  Please reach out to your local schools and speak to your administrators to find out how it will affect your school and community and write your legislators accordingly.   

After researching the impact of open enrollment in other states, MRTA is concerned about the potential impact it could have on students, public schools, and our rural communities should open enrollment be an option in Missouri. This bill allows students to attend public schools outside of their own community.

In several states that have passed open enrollment, it has led to school consolidation.  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 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. Parents would have the ability to choose which school district their child should attend.

Why are educational supporters concerned about 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.

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 states where open enrollment is available, there is very little evidence that shows open enrollment increases performance for students.  We have over 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.

MRTA’s Commitment

Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel (MRTA) is a grassroots association representing over 30,000 retired educators whose vision is to promote and protect public education resulting in a financially secure retirement (pension). The four elements of public education are:

o  Students

o  Public School Personnel

o  Public Schools         

o  Communities

Our advocacy efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of people who are working for public education and our retirees who have devoted their lives to Missouri’s school children.

Teaching is one of the few professions that truly shapes the future of every child. As former educators, our members understand how important it is to support our state’s public education system and pension system.

Public schools and teachers play an invaluable role in our local communities. They are responsible for educating our future generations, and for providing guidance and support to help children and young adults reach their full potential. Teachers are often the first to recognize signs of distress or abuse and provide a safe, nurturing environment in which to learn and grow. They also help to build strong relationships between students, families, and the community, encouraging positive values and citizenship. Teachers are integral to the success of our local communities, and we should strive to ensure that they have the resources they need to be effective.

We also urge members of the general assembly to reach out to the principals and superintendents in their area to have a clearer understanding of the potential impact this could have on their students, local schools, and communities.