Session Starts Strong: Powerful Hearing for MOScholars Expansion

The 2026 legislative session is off to a powerful start for school choice in Missouri. In just the second week of session, families and educators from across the state gathered at the Capitol to support expanded access to the MOScholars program, and their voices made an undeniable impact.

The committee hearing focused on legislation sponsored by Senator Hudson that would remove the current requirement for students to have previously attended public schools before becoming eligible for MOScholars. This change would open the door for more Missouri families to access educational options that work best for their children.

The testimony was both powerful and heartbreaking. Families shared the financial strain of trying to afford private school tuition without assistance. Some described the difficult decision to pull their children out of schools where they were thriving and return to public schools because they simply couldn’t sustain the cost. Others spoke about being on the brink of financial ruin, having accumulated significant debt and even refinanced their homes just to keep their children in the educational environment that works best for them.

A school administrator added crucial context to these family stories, explaining how many families their school has to turn away each year, not because the students wouldn’t be a good fit, but simply because these families don’t currently qualify for MOScholars under existing law. These are families who want to choose the best education for their children but are blocked by an eligibility requirement that has nothing to do with student need.

The turnout was remarkable. Families traveled from Lee’s Summit, Columbia, and north county St. Louis to share their stories and advocate for educational freedom. The diversity of voices, from urban, suburban, and rural communities, demonstrated the broad support for expanding school choice in our state.

Senator Hudson himself noted the significance of the moment, remarking that this was the most support, and the most diversity of support, he had seen for any MOScholars legislation. That’s not just a testament to the importance of this bill; it’s a reflection of the growing momentum behind educational choice in Missouri.

Join Us on February 18th

This was just our first advocacy event of 2026, and we need your voice for what comes next. Join the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri for our February Advocacy Day on February 18, 2026 at the Capitol at 10am.

Whether you’re a parent who understands the struggle of affording educational choice, an educator who believes all families deserve options, or a concerned citizen who supports putting children first, your presence matters. Legislators need to hear from real Missourians about why school choice is essential for our communities.

Together, we can build on this momentum and make 2026 the year Missouri truly expands educational freedom for all families. Register today to join us on February 18th. Contact cici@ceamteam.org for transportation assistance.