By Senator Elaine Gannon
Those of you who have been following the proceedings in the Missouri Senate may be frustrated by the seemingly slow pace with which it considers legislation. Known as the deliberative chamber, senators purposefully take a long and thorough look at each proposal that comes before the body, especially when there are opposing views. To onlookers, this extra time spent may seem unproductive and wasteful, but I assure you, this pause is often necessary to pass thoughtful, vetted laws that benefit Missourians in the long run.
This was definitely the case as we debated Senate Joint Resolution 74, a proposal to modify the initiative petition process and make it tougher to alter the Missouri Constitution. With over a dozen amendments and substitutes offered during the days-long discussion, the Senate passed SJR 74 on Feb. 22. In its perfected version, the resolution states that amending our founding document will require both a majority of votes cast statewide and in five out of our eight congressional districts. I believe this will level the playing field and will allow rural voters to weigh in on important matters that are often decided by more densely populated areas.
On Feb. 21, members of the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety heard my priority bill to permit homeless and unoccupied youth to obtain a free state-issued ID. Having passed with unanimous support last session, I am hopeful Senate Bill 772 will make it to the governor’s desk and eliminate one more barrier for these vulnerable kids. A free ID will help homeless children enroll in school or a training program, apply for jobs, access food and housing assistance, open a bank account and live more independently.
Update on Education Legislation
In my last report, I explained my strong opposition to legislation that detracts funding and other vital resources from Missouri public schools. Unfortunately, the Senate Select Committee on Empowering Parents and Students has advanced Senate Bill 1391 and 1392 to bolster the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) Program and permit charter schools in Boone, St. Charles and St. Louis counties.
These bills propose increasing the cap for funds allotted from $50 million to $75 million, expanding the program statewide and waiving background check requirements for homeschool teachers. According to the state treasurer, there are currently 1867 students enrolled in MO Scholars, compared to 879,000 public school students. I just cannot wrap my head around these “school choice” initiatives that could siphon funds from constitutionally-required public education, have no accountability metrics and fail to provide options for rural students.
I also voted against Senate Bill 1051 which would enable students to transfer from their district of residence to a school of the parent’s choice. If the goal is to ensure every Missouri child receives a quality education, the focus should remain on strengthening public schools and giving teachers the resources they need to produce lifelong learners.