Sen. Jay Wasson’s Legislative Column for the Week of Feb. 27, 2017

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Care to Learn: Helping Schools in Missouri Meet the Most Urgent Needs of Their Students

 A toothbrush. A coat. Deodorant. Breakfast. These are the things that stand between children and belonging—basic unmet needs that cause pain and embarrassment.” —Care to Learn

Those words describe the heartbreaking reality so many of Missouri’s young people face every single day; they also explain what motivated Doug Pitt to establish Care to Learn nearly a decade ago. This incredible organization’s sole mission is to “provide immediate funding to meet emergent needs in the areas of health, hunger and hygiene so every student can be successful in school.” This week, I filed Senate Bill 517 so that more of Missouri’s children can benefit from the critical work Care to Learn is doing.

Very simply, SB 517 allows any taxpayer who makes a donation to Care to Learn to receive a tax credit in the amount of 50 percent of the contribution. Because the organization provides money for the tax credits, the state will not be out any money. The credit may be claimed for tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2018.

What started as a local effort in Springfield has today grown to 32 chapters, which can be found in both rural and urban school districts throughout Missouri. Here in the 20th District, we are fortunate to have 11 chapters, including: Ash Grove, Chadwick, Clever, Fair Grove, Logan-Rogersville, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Sparta, Walnut Grove and Willard. If signed into law, SB 517 will encourage more Missourians and members of our business community to donate to this worthy cause. With increased donations and community participation, Care to Learn will be able to reach more of Missouri’s children before they fall too far behind.

I encourage you to visit the Care to Learn website, read more about their story and find out how you can get involved and make a positive difference in a child’s life.

If you have any questions or comments regarding your state government, please feel free to contact me at (573) 751-1503. You are also welcome to e-mail me at jay.wasson@senate.mo.gov.