Clash over state funding for K-12 private schooling scholarships heads to Missouri court – Missourinet

by Alisa Nelson | Aug 21, 2025
Cole County Courthouse (Photo by Alisa Nelson)
The Missouri National Education Association is suing the state over the way in which Missouri wants to send taxpayer money to help K-12 public school students go to private school. It argues that Gov. Mike Kehoe’s and the state legislature’s pursuit to deliver $51 million in state general revenue directly to the MO Scholars program is unconstitutional.
The organization wants the judge to temporarily block the funding while the case plays out in court. During Thursday’s Cole County Circuit Court hearing, Judge Brian Stumpe said he plans to rule by Friday afternoon on Missouri NEA’s request.
Historically, tax-deductible donations have been delivered to a third party to hand out scholarships to families requesting the aid. During Thursday’s hearing, Missouri NEA attorney Loretta Haggard argued the state is making up rules as it goes along and the state treasurer would be overstepping his authorized duties.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Office said there’s no conflict in the way the state wants the funding to flow to the program. A State Treasurer’s Office employee said delaying the awarded scholarships would disrupt the lives of students who might have to change schools if they don’t receive their scholarship money.
The Missouri NEA, which represents about 28,000 members, said House Bill 12 threatens funding to public schools. The Attorney General’s Office disagreed.
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