We mentioned in previous weeks that the race is on in 2024 for several remaining red and purple states to adopt and expand school choice programs. We predicted Georgia, Louisiana or Texas would be the next dominoes to fall, following in the footsteps of the 10 states that made major school choice expansions last year.

But now Missouri is suddenly in play.

Last week state Senator Andrew Koenig — who runs the education committee — announced he is moving a bill that would allow parents to get reimbursed by the state through a tax credit for all expenses related to attending an alternative school outside their district. His bill would also expand money for charter schools. The bill could transfer $1 billion to alternative school options.

St. Louis has long suffered some of the worst inner-city schools in the nation – despite billions of dollars spent.

“The days are gone of us relying on the old-guard talking point that traditional public school is the only way to go and it’s the only thing that the government’s ever going to support or put in front of parents,” says Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden. We will keep you posted on their progress.