The Issues: Education

President John F. Kennedy once said, “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.” This past legislative session public school education in Missouri was funded just over the bare minimum as mandated by law. The effects of such lack of funding are currently affecting thousands of children’s lives statewide and will have long-term repercussions. I believe there is no excuse for short changing education, especially for corporate handouts. In Jefferson City, I will work with Teachers and Parents statewide to provide the maximum funding possible for the 48th District and for the state.

Additionally, instead of answering the problems of school funding, legislators, including my opponent, worked to change the funding formula statewide, therefore punishing urban and suburban school districts such as Lee’s Summit,Raytown and Hickman Mills. Currently, over 215 school districs in the State of Missouri are in court fighting for more money for their students. With education not being fully funded in over 4 years, the financial loss to these key school districts districts in our community can be devastating.

The answer to funding in this state is not the formula but the amount provided. If we can afford to give massive cash giveaways to mega corporations, we can certainly afford to fund education higher than a D-. According to the Department of Education, Missouri flunked standards set at the national level. This is not the fault of our children or teachers. . This is the fault of our elected officials

As your State Representative I will not play politics with education and the future of a child. I will work endlessly reaching across political divides to find additional funding so that our children get the best education they deserve.