Raise Your Hand for Kids Statement on the ‘Missouri Promise’ initiative 

Today, supporters of the “Missouri Promise” initiative announced their suspension of an effort to raise the cigarette tax to fund merit-based college scholarships. Many Missourians value investments in education. Raise Your Hand for Kids (RYH4K) and the Missouri Promise attracted support from citizens concerned about the future of our state. Although we differed in our vision of how to best serve Missouri Children, the Missouri Promise provided an venue for dialogue about the dire lack of funding for education and we are thankful for the opportunity.  

RYH4K built a policy that was the result of dozens of conversations, hundreds of miles traveled and countless hours of research conducted in every corner of our state. Fully implemented, our policy will generate $300 million annually and provide Missouri children access to health and education opportunities to set them on a path for success at every stage of life.

We welcome the support of the leaders behind the Missouri Promise and look forward to working together over the next several months to pass the Early Childhood Health and Education Amendment. 

To read the RYH4K policy filed with the Secretary of State click here.

To read the Missouri Promise initiative statement, click here.