Agudath Israel of Missouri welcomes the Cole County Circuit Court’s dismissal with prejudice of a lawsuit that sought to revoke $50 million appropriated to Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA), or “MOScholars” program.

Enacted in 2021, MOScholars provides K-12 grants that are funded through private donations from individuals and corporations to educational assistance organizations (EAOs) which administer the program. Donors can receive a state tax credit worth 100% of their gift.

The MOScholars program has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the number of qualified students increasing by 122 percent. To meet that demand and ensure that all eligible children can be served, Governor Mike Kehoe authorized an additional $50 million for the program in the 2025 budget.

The Missouri National Education Association (MNEA) subsequently filed suit in an effort to block that funding. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and Treasurer Vivek Malek successfully defended the program, and the Cole County Circuit Court’s dismissal ensures families can continue to benefit from the scholarships.

“Agudath Israel was proud to be part of the effort and to stand alongside MOScholars families when this program came under challenge. We are grateful to AG Hanaway, Treasurer Malek, EdChoice Legal Advocates, and all those who worked to defend MOScholars,” said Mrs. Suri Botuck, Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of Missouri. “Moments like this are a powerful reminder of what is possible when families advocate for their children’s educational freedom.”

“Agudath Israel of Missouri has distributed $4.9 million in scholarships since the program’s inception and is set to distribute over $3 million this year,” said Hillel Anton, director of Agudath Israel of Missouri’s EAO. “These scholarships open doors of opportunity and make quality education and support services possible for so many families.”