A state House member wants to amend the to let parents receive public funding to send children to religious schools.
by Jefferson City Republican would repeal a prohibition on public money going to religious schools. If approved by the full House and Senate, it would go on a statewide ballot.
Barnes told lawmakers Wednesday that the prohibition is "anti-Catholic." He says said his amendment would help low-income families afford better education at private schools.
A financial estimate says the amendment could cost the state more than $300 million per year.
Opponents raised concerns about the bill's potential price tag and the possibility that property tax dollars from one city could go a school district in a different city through the voucher program.