Summary#
SCR-22 is a Missouri Senate concurrent resolution titled “Urges the United States Congress to fully cooperate with federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.” It does not amend a law or eliminate the department; it expresses Missouri lawmakers’ support for that federal effort and urges Congress to cooperate. Its stated goal is to return education authority to states and local communities. The resolution is introduced and referred to committee, so passage is uncertain.
- If adopted by both chambers, the resolution would state the Missouri General Assembly’s support for eliminating the federal department and urge Congress to act. It does not require Congress to do so.
- It instructs the Missouri Senate Secretary to prepare properly inscribed copies for each member of Missouri’s congressional delegation.
- The resolution’s claims about federal overreach, education spending, test scores, and likely benefits are reasons it gives for its position, not legal changes or results it guarantees.
What it means for you#
- Missouri residents and schools: The resolution itself would not change education rules, funding, curriculum, or services.
- Missouri’s congressional delegation: Each member would receive a copy if the resolution is adopted. The resolution asks Congress to cooperate but does not bind its members.
- U.S. Department of Education: The resolution would not abolish or change the department. That would require federal action outside this resolution.
Money#
No cost information is in the available material.
- The Senate Secretary must prepare copies, but the resolution gives no cost estimate or funding amount.
- It does not appropriate money or set a tax, fee, or fine.
What is unclear#
- The resolution does not say what federal steps would eliminate the department or how its programs, duties, or funding would be handled.
- It does not explain how states or local communities would take on any responsibilities that might change.
- It sets no deadline for preparing or sending the copies.
- The material provides no evidence or supporting detail for the resolution’s claims about spending, test scores, or expected outcomes.
Case for#
- The resolution appears intended to shift education decision-making toward states and local communities, which it says are better placed to understand local needs.
- A possible argument for the bill is that reducing federal rules and mandates could give states more room to set education policies.
- The resolution argues that eliminating the department could use taxpayer money more efficiently, though it does not explain how those savings would occur.
Case against#
- The resolution would not itself change federal policy, so its requested outcome depends on Congress taking separate action.
- It does not explain how the department’s responsibilities or programs would continue, change, or end if Congress acted.
- Its claims that elimination would improve efficiency and outcomes are not supported with detail in the supplied material.