MSTA Member Brief: Jan. 12, 2026

This is Matt Michelson with your MSTA Action Member Brief, a members-only preview of what we're watching and working on in Jefferson City.

On Tuesday, the State Board of Education will meet to discuss district accreditation as well as possibly waiving the school start date for a number of districts that have made a request. Also on Tuesday, the Senate Education

Committee will begin hearings on a number of bills, including Senate Bill 998, a harmful proposal that would expand the Missouri Empowerment Voucher Program while reducing transparency and accountability.

Later that afternoon on Tuesday, at 3:00 PM, Governor Mike Kehoe will deliver his annual State of the State Address where he will outline his priorities and present his proposed budget for the upcoming 2027 fiscal year.

Then at noon on Wednesday, the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee will hold a hearing on teacher certification. Presentations are expected from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Missouri State University, and others, making this an important conversation for the future of the educator workforce. Finally, on Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee will meet to review Governor Parsons' proposed fiscal year 2027 budget recommendations, setting the stage for budget discussions for the weeks ahead. Thanks for standing with MSTA as we advocate for and empower public educators so they can teach. Be sure to read MSTA Action this Friday for a full recap of the week.