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School Foundation Formula Awaits Governor's Signature

May 6, 2002
By: Justin Herndon
State Capital Bureau

Missouri's legislature has approved a plan designed to let them give a smaller budget increase to local schools.

Justin Herndon has more from Jefferson City.

Story:
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OutCue: SOC

The Missouri Senate gave final approval to a redefined school foundation formula plan offered by Senator Ken Jacob.

However, this plan reduces the original amount of funding from 219 million dollars to about 154 million.

Still, some senators didn't think the state has enough money to fund that proposal.

Senator Jacob gave an emotional appeal to his Republican opponents.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: You side of the aisle and mine are both saying the same thing and we need to make sure the kids know how to read, write and compute. Without that, the future has no hope.

The Senate Approriations Chairman, John Russell, garnered support from some Republican colleagues that barring some divine intervention there's just not enough money there.

Newton County Senator Marvin Singleton agreed with that position.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: I believe in miracles, I just don't perform them. why isn't anyone listening to the chairman of the appororiations committee?

Senator Morris Westfall also spoke out in oppostion and he wanted to send it back to a conference for further debate...effectively killing the bill.

But Senator Jacob convinced his supporters to defeat that motion.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: a no vote gets you more money a yes vote gets you less money...if you value education you have to vote for the conference committee report.

After a close vote on that motion...Jacob's bill moved on for a final vote before advancing to the Governor.

With a final vote of 19-14 the bill passed and it now awaits the governor's signature.

Justin Herndon, Jefferson City.