The Senate worked early into Wednesday morning after hours of discussing an education bill focused on school choice.
One aspect of Senate Bill 55 bill would allow for the expansion of charter schools to cities with a population of over 30,000.
Fifty new school districts would qualify to add charter schools, including Columbia.
While those who oppose the expansion fear public schools losing money, Senator Caleb Rowden believes people overstate what the real financial impact would be.
“I love, respect and value public education in Columbia and anywhere, I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize it, I just don’t think those people are being entirely honest about what the actual ramifications are for them.”
Other aspects of this bill include funding for “Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts,” which would provide funds for students to attend private or charter school.
The Senate says they will revisit the bill by Monday.