Jefferson City, MO – Today, the Missouri House of Representatives Truly Agreed and Finally Passed Senate Bill 727 and HB 2287, landmark pieces of legislation that will significantly expand school choice options for families across the state. Sponsored by Representative Phil Christofanelli, the legislation triples the size of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, building upon the foundation laid by legislation he championed in 2021.
The passage of SB 727 and HB 2287 marks a historic moment for education reform in Missouri. The ESA program, which was initially created to provide more educational opportunities for Missouri children, will now be able to serve thousands of additional students thanks to the expansion. This program empowers parents to choose the best educational setting for their children, whether that be public, private, or homeschooling, by providing financial assistance through scholarships.
“Every child in Missouri deserves access to a high-quality education that meets their unique needs,” said Rep. Christofanelli. “With the expansion of the ESA program, we are reaffirming our commitment to Missouri’s families and their right to educational freedom. This is a victory for parents who want more control over their children’s education and for students who will now have more avenues to achieve their full potential.”
The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. The successful passage of SB 727 and HB 2287 is a testament to the collaborative efforts of lawmakers who are dedicated to ensuring that educational funding is linked to students rather than
institutions. By tripling the size of the ESA program, the bill will provide increased educational resources and opportunities for Missouri’s children, regardless of their zip code or socio-economic status.
Rep. Phil Christofanelli is a Republican who represents parts of the city of Saint Peters and Saint Charles County in the Missouri House of Representatives. For more information, or to schedule an interview, please email Jaret Scharnhorst at Jaret.Scharnhorst@house.mo.gov.