An issue to be resolved as the unofficial second half of the legislative session begins is whether to expand the state’s college savings tuition program. Politics seem to have intensified the differences between Republicans and Democrats over a proposal to change the MOST program. Members of the two political parties clashed during House floor debate on a proposal sponsored by Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer of St. Elizabeth. Luetkemeyer, a candidate for State Treasurer, wants to open up the savings plan, allowing Missourians to take tax deductions for investing in a variety of plans other than the MOST plan offered through the Treasurer’s office. Critics claim Luetkemeyer’s bill would undermine MOST merely to benefit brokers. State Treasurer Nancy Farmer is leaving the office in her effort to win the US Senate seat now held by Senator Christopher Bond.
