US EditionMissouri's $50 Million School Voucher Program Cleared by Judge
Judge Brian Stumpe said the state may directly fund scholarships because law does not expressly bar it, and families could face financial harm if payments stop.
- On Tuesday, Cole County Circuit Court Judge Brian Stumpe dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Missouri National Education Association, allowing the MOScholars program to continue distributing $50 million in state funding.
- The Missouri NEA, representing 30,000 educators, challenged the funding by arguing that lawmakers unlawfully diverted $50 million in general revenue away from public schools to the scholarship program.
- In his 57-page ruling, Stumpe wrote that lawmakers could appropriate funds because state law does not "expressly prohibit" it, and ruled the union lacked standing because they suffered no harm.
- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway hailed the decision as a victory Tuesday evening, noting that more than 6,000 students currently receive scholarships through the program.
- The Missouri NEA announced Wednesday that it plans to appeal the decision to the Missouri Supreme Court, maintaining that the voucher scheme remains unconstitutional.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Missouri Independent
Missouri judge dismisses lawsuit over $50 million in private school voucher funding
Cole County Circuit Court Judge Brian Stumpe listens to arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of Missouri's funding of school vouchers Nov. 24, 2025, in the Cole County Courthouse (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).A Cole County Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday that Missouri can use public funds to pay for private school scholarships even though state law doesn’t explicitly authorize it. In a 57-page ruling, Judge Brian Stu…
Missouri judge rules legislature can spend $50 million in public funds on private schools
The judge ruled Missouri lawmakers could directly appropriate funds to the MOScholars program because state law does not “expressly prohibit” it. The Missouri National Education Association plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.
Cole County judge upholds school voucher program
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) A Cole County judge on Tuesday upheld the state's voucher program that lets some students attend their school of choice -- public or private. Judge Brian Stumpe denied the Missouri National Education Association's request for an injunction to halt the Missouri Scholars Program. The Missouri General Assembly appropriated $51 million for the program in the current fiscal year. Missouri Scholars pays for students with spe…
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