Updates from the floor of the Missouri Senate
As the end of the 2018 legislative session quickly approaches, the Missouri Senate has approved several House Bills that modify existing guidelines for our school districts as well legislation that provides financial assistance to students enrolling in Missouri’s colleges and universities.
This week, House Bill 1744, a proposal that removes the requirement for a student to be enrolled in a public high school in order to qualify for the A + Schools Program, was approved by the Missouri Senate. During the debate, I was able to add language allowing these students to also utilize their MOST 529 college savings accounts or MO Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) tax-free savings accounts when it comes to paying for college.
This means more of Missouri’s students and their parents have the opportunity to afford college, no matter what hardships may occur. The A + program provides funding for tuition costs, while having a MOST 529 college savings account can help with any supplemental costs the students may incur while they are enrolled in school. In the event a student develops a disability prior to the age of 26, they can transfer their funds from their MOST 529 college savings account to a MO ABLE tax-free savings account.
By allowing this transfer without a tax penalty, a family who receives an unexpected diagnosis that changes their life plan has more options in order to make smart, financial decisions for their child’s educational and medical expenses. This will allow for a future of economic self-sufficiency for Missourians with disabilities, and present opportunities to improve their quality of life. This bill is one more step toward providing those with disabilities economic independence.
In addition, House Bill 1606 was approved by the Senate. HB 1606 removes burdensome regulations affecting our state’s public school districts and it increases access to online courses for all Missouri students. The legislation changes the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program (MoVIP) to the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program. This will allow any eligible student to enroll in programs of their choice, to be paid by their school district or charter school. This legislation expands access to online courses for students across Missouri and provides opportunities for enrichment that are unavailable in their individual districts. The bill also removes the number of required attendance days for students in grades K-12, as well as numerous other proposals intended to improve the administrative guidelines that affect our state’s school districts. I believe this bill is step in the right direction for our school districts, especially those districts who want to offer new and challenging courses to their students.
Report from the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Chairman
This week, the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee approved House Bill 1368 and sent it to the Senate floor for further debate. The proposal modifies the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act, which is also attached to Senate Bill 573. As I have stated before, investing in resources for veterans is a priority of mine, especially in the 21st Senatorial District. I believe programs like the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act emphasize the value veterans bring to our community, and we want them to know they are appreciated for their service and sacrifice for our country.
Community Updates
Starting in 2020, Whiteman Air Force Base will become home to the B-21 Raider Bomber. The United States Air Force recently selected three bases across the country including Dyess Air Force Base in Texas; Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota; and Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to house the new aircraft.
I am excited, but not surprised the United States Air Force selected the brave men and women at Whiteman Air Force Base to continue their mission with the B-21 bomber. This is wonderful news for the continued success of Whiteman’s mission to protect our country as well as for the communities that surround the base.
I also joined the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and several of its members in Jefferson City this week to discuss the 2018 legislative session. During our visit, we reviewed several topics including tort reform, tax reform, the state’s 2019 operating budget and several other issues. Funding for K-12 and higher education was an issue the group and I truly believe should be a priority this year. The end of session is always fast-paced, but I am hopeful the legislature will vote to fully-fund the state’s education foundation formula and continue to pass common-sense legislation such as Senate Bill 608, known as the Business Premises Safety Act.
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302. You may also email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov.