Equipping Our Children with a Strong Foundation
In today’s modern world, a good education is vital to a person’s success. Specifically, a quality K-12 education can make all the difference in a person’s life. Here in Springfield, we are blessed to have access to some of the finest public schools in the state. Our excellent public school system is an important part of what makes our community such a great place to raise a family. As the product of a public school education, I know firsthand the difference it can make.
There are many factors that contribute to a quality education: talented teachers, engaging curriculum, safe classrooms and numerous other aspects. However, one of the most essential parts of a good education are caring and involved parents. Growing up, my parents played a significant role in my education. Whether it was helping with homework, running me around to different activities or simply being there to hold me accountable, my parents where a constant presence during my childhood. As a father, I know the difference parents can make in their children’s education. Here in Springfield, we are extremely fortunate to have a talented group of parents working on behalf of our students — the Springfield Council of Parent-Teacher Associations. I have long admired this group of hardworking volunteers at schools throughout our district. These individuals are more than just parents, they are advocates that tirelessly work to guarantee every Springfield public school student has access to a quality education. Each and every member of the Springfield Council of PTA’s, and each PTA volunteer at schools throughout the district, should be applauded for their efforts in making our public schools a place where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.
From the day I entered public office, education has been and will remain one of my top priorities. I can’t think of a nobler goal than working to supply every Missouri student with access to a quality public school education. As the state senator who represents most of the Springfield Public School system, I worked diligently during my first year in the Missouri Senate to ensure our state’s public schools were allocated the resources needed to provide a world-class education to every child in the Show-Me State. As the vice-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was proud to vote to fully fund the state’s education Foundation Formula. In addition, my colleagues and I worked hard to increase funding for school transportation costs. Over the past nine years, the Missouri General Assembly has increased education funding from $3 billion to $3.56 billion. As a member of the Missouri Senate, my colleagues and I have made education funding a priority. As we begin working on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2021, I am prepared to make the tough choices to assure our students and teachers remain at the front of the line when it comes to receiving state funding.
As I look ahead to 2020, I believe several education-related issues will grab headlines during the upcoming legislative session. Expanding access to charter schools and tax credit scholarship programs are sure to be discussed on the floor of the Missouri Senate. While I understand the support behind these types of programs, I firmly believe that taxpayer funds should remain in the hands of our public schools. A student should never have to leave a public school in search of a quality education, and I intend to do everything I can to make this a reality. In addition to these issues, many have asked what I plan to do regarding school safety. No parent ever wants to see the name of their child’s school in the news for a safety-related issue. While every school is different, I firmly believe school safety is a local issue, and it should be determined through input from faculty, law enforcement, parents and the community.
Education is not a partisan issue. While it sounds cliché, our students really are our future. As your state senator, I am committed to doing everything I can to strengthen our public schools and provide our students with an education that prepares them for success in tomorrow’s economy.
Senator Lincoln Hough is currently serving his first term in the Missouri Senate. As the state senator for the 30th Senatorial District, he represents a portion of Greene county in the Missouri senate.