HCS HB 26 -- LOAN REPAYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR TEACHERS

SPONSOR:  Williams (Wilson, 42)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Education-Higher by a vote of 13 to 0.

This substitute creates a program to provide loan repayment
assistance for teachers who teach full-time in a provisionally
accredited or unaccredited school district.  The teachers must
have graduated from a nationally accredited teacher education
program with at least a 2.50 grade point average on a 4.00 scale
and must agree to teach in the district for at least the number
of years they receive assistance on any loan.  Candidates for
assistance under this program cannot participate in any other
loan repayment assistance program.  The repayment of the loans
must have begun within the last 5 years.  The principal loan
repayment amount cannot exceed $4,000 plus applicable accrued
interest.  Teachers who lose their certification, are fired, or
quit will lose the assistance on a pro-rated basis.  A teacher
whose certification is restored may have the assistance
reinstated.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $503,871 in FY
2002, $513,580 in FY 2003, and $516,460 in FY 2004.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that unaccredited and provisionally
accredited school districts frequently have trouble attracting
teachers.  Loan repayment assistance helps these districts
compete with the higher salaries offered in more affluent
districts.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Wilson (42) and
Boykins; Brandy Moore, student at Lincoln University; Kansas
City School District; Corey Logan, student at Lincoln
University; Associated Students of the University of Missouri;
Koai Matthews; St. Louis Board of Education; and Missouri State
Teachers Association (in writing).

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:41 am