Missouri Legislative Outlook, 2007
A school funding lawsuit just went to trial in Missouri. The state has a budget surplus of between $300 and $500 million and Governor Matt Blunt (R) wants to provide tax breaks. Also, there could be choice initiatives in Missouri, including open enrollment among districts and tax credits for donations for students in “failing” schools to transfer to private schools. The governor recently appointed two people to the state Board of Education who support the use of tax vouchers for private schools. Other legislative issues could include raising the drop out age from 16 to 18; incentive pay for math and science teachers; after-school programs in math and science; and support for professional development for teachers of advanced courses.