Our schools were shorted $190 million.
Missouri lawmakers did not fully fund the state's own school formula, and every district is feeling it. Here's what happened and what you can do about it.
Tip: turn on subtitles. The reporter's questions can be hard to hear. Tap the CC button at the bottom of the video to read along with captions.
The short version, in a few minutes
In this news interview, we explain how state budget decisions, private-school vouchers, and the senior property tax freeze are adding up to cuts in every Missouri school district.
If you only do one thing today, share this video with a neighbor, especially one who is 62 or older.
Learn it. Wear it. Say it.
Learn the facts
Where the money went: the formula shortfall, vouchers, the senior tax freeze, and the sports betting promise.
The factsWear the shirt
$25, and all net proceeds go to the public school district you choose. Wear it to the game, the grocery store, and the next public meeting.
Get the shirtContact your lawmakers
Ready-to-send messages for state legislators, county commissioners, city councils, school boards, and Congress.
Take action
If you need the senior tax freeze, keep it.
If you don't need it, please consider giving it back.
The SB190 senior property tax freeze helps people stay in their homes, and anyone who needs it to keep their house or buy groceries should absolutely use it. But in many communities, about 80 cents of every property tax dollar goes to the local school district. When the relief goes to households that don't need it, it comes straight out of the classroom.
Withdraw from SB190, send us proof, and we'll send you a free shirt (you only pay shipping and handling).
Leaders: wear it to the meeting.
When elected officials, superintendents, PTA leaders, coaches, and clergy wear the shirt at a public meeting, it starts a conversation that a press release can't. Order shirts for your whole board and post a group photo.
Lawmakers count calls.
It takes about five minutes to tell your legislators to fully fund the formula. We've written the message for you.