After three consecutive years of massive progress expanding education freedom and choice, 2024 is shaping up to be another banner year.
This week, Missouri expanded its education choice policy and Nebraska adopted a new school choice policy. So far this year, five states have enacted new education choice policies or expanded existing ones, and several additional state legislatures are making significant progress on the issue.
Three years ago, Missouri lawmakers enacted the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts policy (MOScholars), which empowers families with the freedom to choose the schools and other learning environments that accord with their values and best meet their children’s learning needs.
Under the MOScholars program, low-income families and parents of students with special needs can receive scholarships worth $6,375 to spend on tuition, textbooks, tutoring, curriculum, educational therapy, transportation costs, and more.
On Thursday, the Missouri House of Representatives voted 82 to 69 in favor of a bill to expand MOScholars to more families. The bill needed 82 votes to pass, meaning that the support of three Democrats who crossed the aisle to support school choice proved crucial.
Sponsored by state Sen. Andrew Koenig, a Republican, SB 727 will expand eligibility for MOScholars from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level, or from $62,400 to $93,600 for a family of four.
Until now, the children of a typical firefighter, police officer or registered nurse in Missouri were not eligible, but they will be once Gov.........