In a move aimed at improving education opportunities for students from low-income families, Republican Governor Mike Parson has signed legislation to increase teacher pay and expand access to private school scholarships in Missouri.

The new law, set to take effect on August 28, introduces a voucher-like scholarship program that will provide up to $6,375 per child for various educational expenses, including tuition, textbooks, tutoring, transportation, extracurricular activities, and summer school. These scholarships will be funded by private donors who will receive tax credits in return.

One significant aspect of this legislation is its commitment to injecting additional funding into public schools. As a compromise, the initiative promises hundreds of millions of dollars to support public schools, which has been a topic of debate in the state legislature, particularly regarding "school choice" policies.

Under the newly-signed law, teachers will benefit from a minimum salary of $40,000 per year. Moreover, long-time teachers with master's degrees will receive additional incentives as a way to reward their dedication and expertise. Governor Parson emphasized that this measure is a continuation of his administration's efforts to boost teacher pay and recognize the hard work of educators.

Previously, Missouri's private school scholarship program had limited recipients to residents of the state's largest cities and families earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level, which equates to $62,400 annually for a family of four. However, the new law raises this cap to 300%, allowing families with an annual income of up to $93,600 to be eligible for these scholarships. Additionally, students requiring extra assistance through individualized education plans will receive additional scholarship funds.

To accommodate a potential increase in the number of students participating in the program, the legislation also raises the cap on tax credits for private donations from $50 million to $75 million per year.

In a bid to maintain consistency in school schedules, the law requires public votes to approve any switch to a four-day school week. Furthermore, it provides incentives to schools that continue to operate on a traditional five-day school week.

The signing of this legislation marks an important step forward in addressing educational disparities in Missouri, providing more opportunities for low-income students, increasing teacher pay, and offering incentives to maintain high-quality education standards.