Parents flock to the capitol for CEAM’s April School Choice Advocacy Day

Supporters of school choice in Missouri had a good day Tuesday when close to 50 parents and advocates showed up at the state capitol to share their views with state legislators.

Advocates shared their personal stories and asked legislators to consider a wide range of school choice policies in about 25 meetings with different legislators over the course of the day on Tuesday.

CEAM Director of Outreach Cici Tomkins said she helps organize regular advocacy days at the capitol, adding that this month’s had been particularly successful.

“This is just what we needed at the end of the session to make sure legislators are focused on providing educational options while they work to get some education bills across the finish line,” she said. “Thank you to all of the advocates who showed up and spent the day sharing their passions with legislators!”

Tompkins said advocates talked to legislators about the importance of open enrollment policies and the need to expand the MOScholars scholarship program as well as concerns about accountability in Missouri public schools.

Tompkins thanked several people and organizations for helping to make the day a success.

“We want to give a special shout-out to our partners who helped make this possible,” she said. “Thank you CEAM advocates Mary Hill and Jessica Bullard who helped to organize the event and thank you to Americans for Prosperity for providing the lunch and also thank you to the Quality Schools Coalition for bringing so many advocates!”

Tompkins added schools and parents can still advocate for school choice even after the legislative session has ended.

“Just because the legislative session is almost over doesn’t mean you can’t connect with legislators year-round,” she said. “CEAM is happy to help host a legislator visit of your school or a local meeting with some school choice-minded friends.”

If you, or someone you know, would like to advocate for school choice at the capitol please let us know by emailing Cici Tompkins at cici@ceamteam.org.

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