State and Local Government / Transparency

Summer Camps Cut From Budget

By Sarah Brodsky on May 8, 2009

One tiny step back for state spending, one leap forward for common sense in Missouri’s budget. The Missouri Scholars Academy will have to find private sponsors or charge tuition starting next year.

Supporters of the Academy are quick to point out benefits that are supposed to accrue to the state at some point in the future, such as: Smart students enjoy the Academy. Then they have a warm, fuzzy feeling about Missouri. Then they’re more likely to go to college in Missouri. Then they’re more likely to stay here and work and pay taxes. …

The fact of the matter is, only a few hundred students attend the Academy each year. Assuming that each one of them will stay in Missouri because of the Academy, it still isn’t worth taxing other Missourians for their summer camp.

About the author

Sarah Brodsky

More about this author >

Support the Show-Me-Institute

Reprint permission for Show-Me Institute publications and commentaries is hereby granted, provided that proper credit is given to the author. We request, but do not require, that those who reprint our material notify us of publication for our records: [email protected].

Mission Statement

Advancing liberty with responsibility by promoting market solutions for Missouri public policy.