Missouri House approves $50 million for private‑school aid amid sharp floor criticism

The House advanced a broad appropriations measure that contains, among many items for state executive offices and the judiciary, a $50 million general‑revenue allocation described on the floor as a program to offset private‑school tuition costs. The House committee substitute for House Bill 12 passed on third reading with a roll call of 95 yeas and 48 nays.

The motion to third read and pass HB12 was made by the Gentleman from McDonald, the budget chairman. Multiple members objected to the $50 million general‑revenue set‑aside for private school tuition assistance. The Lady from Jackson County criticized the move on the House floor as part of “the slow dribble to privatize education,” and said the policy would harm public schools and taxpayers. The Representative from Greene County echoed concerns about precedent, calling the appropriation “our first slippery slope in providing public tax dollars to private schools.”

Supporters, including the Gentleman from Newton, described the program as expanding educational options and said taxpayer dollars used in this way fund “education opportunities for kids in this state.” A number of members said the bill also contains other items they support — funding for prosecutors’ conviction review units, court staffing, CASA programs and state scholarship programs administered by the treasurer.

HB12 contains a mix of departmental appropriations for the governor’s office, state constitutional offices, the judiciary and related programs. The budget chairman noted funding for the MOST Scholars program in the state treasurer’s office and capital support for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The vote sends the measure to the Senate where these provisions, including the private‑school allocation, will be subject to further review.