Day: 17 Apr 2017

JC/DC ACTION ALERT: MO Empowerment Scholarships Account Program

****FULL SENATE VOTE *** Please CALL your Senators now!

SB 32 would establish the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program

The Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program is a particular concern for PTA because this program would create an account that would allow taxpayers to may make a qualifying contribution to an educational assistance organization and claim a tax credit, as described in the act. The tax credit is for one hundred percent of the amount of the contribution. The tax credit may be carried forward for four years and may be transferred, sold, or assigned. The scholarships will be used in private schools effectively creating a voucher system in Missouri.

Missouri PTA encourages you to CALL your Senators office now and let them know your feelings on this bill.

When you call here are some talking points to discuss with their office:

Begin the call by thanking them for their time; give them your name and PTA Unit.

The Empowerment Scholarship Account is not good for students and parents, taxpayers and Missouri’s public schools for the following reasons:

  • Irresponsible expansion of tax credits when the state is facing massive shortfalls in the current budget.
  • This is a voucher in a bad disguise. This bill is not about choice but about killing public education as we know it, with no assurances that education will be delivered at all.
  • Lack of financial oversight of the schools receiving the funds these organizations could be for- profit institutions designed to take money directly from school students that could deliver no education but profit at the expense of Missouri taxpayers.
  • Expands education beyond the age of 21as long as the student has not completed high school.

 This bill is not about choice but about killing public education as we know it, with no assurances that education will be delivered at all.  Please vote NO on SB 32.

 Take a few moments to call now!  Public education in Missouri depends on it!!

Not sure how to contact your state legislators? Click here and insert your street address or 9-digit zip code.

 

Thank you,

Carla Wiese

VP and Director of Legislation and Advocacy

Missouri PTA