In recent weeks, I’ve heard from numerous constituents concerned about the implementation of Common Core Standards in Missouri schools. For those unfamiliar, the Common Core Standards Initiative is an effort to create a single set of educational standards for English language arts and mathematics for kindergarten through 12th grade. This program was created by groups representing the nation’s governors and education commissioners. To be clear, the federal government was not involved with the creation of this initiative.

The Department of Education and Secondary Education has quietly implemented these standards into school curriculums over the last few years without proper vetting by the General Assembly. Many citizens are outraged.  They see this as taking away local control from school districts and they’re rightfully concerned.  We’re being led down a road that eventually ends in national standards, which rob our state and local governments from the power to establish the educational policies that work best for their area.

Last week, the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 210, which deals with the Common Core Standards. Under the bill, DESE would be required to hold public meetings in each congressional district on the standards, with parents and school employees notified about the meeting at least two weeks in advance. The bill also requires the department to perform a fiscal analysis of the projected costs of implementing the standards and prepare a report that clearly lays out what information is collected under the program and if any government entity collects or receives that data.

I believe one of the biggest problems with the Common Core Standards is how little information has been given.  People read in the newspaper or hear from word of mouth that their local school has agreed to what looks like a set of national standards created by the federal government and they’re justifiably alarmed.

These meetings would allow parents to get valuable information on how this initiative would affect their children. We also need to know how much implementation would cost. Some have estimated the costs at around $350 million to $400 million. We don’t know if those figures are accurate, though, because we have yet to see a study on the price tag associated with adhering to these standards. Senate Bill 210 would give the public and the Legislature the information they need to make an informed choice. The bill now goes to the floor for possible debate.

Over the last few weeks, the Senate has dealt with disturbing allegations involving the Department of Revenue. As I’m sure many have heard, a lawsuit was filed in Stoddard County last month that accused DOR of collecting and scanning personal documents. It is believed that information was then sent to an outside company.

Lawmakers were upset and moved quickly to get to the bottom of the issue. One of my colleagues even went so far as to directly ask the director of the department if there was any merit to these allegations. He was assured there were not.

We now know that DOR is requiring citizens to present private documents, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards, to be issued a driver’s license or conceal carry permit. This information is scanned, and then sent to a third-party company contracted by the state, which then creates the new license or conceal carry permit. The department is also collecting biometric data, such as facial feature measurements.

What we don’t know is whether or not this information is stored securely, and if it’s being sent to Washington as part of a federal program called Real ID, which the General Assembly blocked through legislation. We have yet to get straight answers on what exactly is happening.

The department has no legal right to collect and store this information. It is a gross breach of privacy and represents a huge overreach of authority from a state department. It is absolutely unacceptable and as your Senator, I will not stand for it. 

Last week, Sen. Kurt Schaefer subpoenaed the department to provide documents regarding the collecting of biometric data and conceal carry permits. We’ve already begun investigating the information and will continue to do so until we know the facts and can stop any improper activity. If these allegations are true, it cannot be allowed to continue. I will keep you updated as this situation develops.

My mother and hundreds of others came to the Capitol on Tuesday for the annual Child Advocacy Day, which is sponsored by the Missouri Alliance for Children Youth and Family. During session, I don’t get many opportunities to see my family, so it was wonderful to have my mom in town. Students from Sunrise Elementary School in De Soto visited the Capitol this week. It’s always a pleasure to see young people interested in their state government.  If you stop by the Capitol, please make sure to visit my office.

As always, I appreciate your feedback and input on the issues affecting our state. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you. 

Contact Me