2025 EdChoice Friedman Index Webinar
2025-04-30 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Register here to reserve your spot for this virtual event today.
How much educational freedom do families in Missouri really have?
The 2025 EdChoice Friedman Index offers a first-of-its-kind measurement of private education choice across the nation. Inspired by the vision of Milton and Rose Friedman, this report evaluates how effectively each state empowers families to direct education funding toward the best options for their children—whether public or private.
In The 2025 EdChoice Friedman Index: All Students, All Options, All Dollars, EdChoice Friedman Fellow Ben Scafidi and EdChoice Senior Research Associate Colyn Ritter present a comprehensive analysis of education choice programs in all 50 states. The report examines how well states enable families to access and afford private education through choice programs.
Join the Show-Me Institute on Wednesday, April 30th, at 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET for an insightful discussion and Q&A session with Ben Scafidi and Colyn Ritter on The 2025 EdChoice Friedman Index.
You can access the Friedman Index here. You won’t want to miss this!
Brought to you by: Show-Me Institute, EdChoice and Show-Me Opportunity

Insider's Hour: Legislative Wrap Up
2025-06-05 12:00 - 13:00
It’s a wrap! The Missouri legislative session adjourned in mid-May. How did Missourians fare? Which bills passed, and which didn’t? Join us for a post-session recap with Senator Tracy McCreery and Representative Ben Keathley, followed by a Q&A session.
We’ll cover the outcomes in key policy areas including education, tax reform, the state budget, and energy policy. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions about the issues that matter most to you.

Buy Your Ticket Here

Event Details
Thursday, June 5MAC West1777 Des Peres RoadSt. Louis, MO 63131
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.Discussion and Q&A: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Ticket Price: $15.00 (includes lunch and beverages)

MOScholars Program Webinar
2025-07-10 11:30 - 12:30
In 2021, the Missouri General Assembly created the MOScholars program, allowing individuals and businesses to receive state tax credits for contributions to certified educational assistance organizations (EAOs). But what does that mean for you and your Missouri tax bill?
Join us for a timely and informative webinar where you’ll learn:
• What the MOScholars program is and who it helps
• How Missouri tax credits work, and how you can direct your tax dollars
• What qualifies as an EAO
• What to do at tax filing time
• How your participation supports school choice in Missouri
Keith Kehrer and Derek Rose, lawyers from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, join Show-Me Institute’s Director of Research Susan Pendergrass on Thursday, July 10, at 11:30 a.m. for a presentation on how the MOScholars law operates, with Q&A following.
The Missouri Bar MCLE has approved the live program for 1.2 general CLE hours.
Register Here

Tax and Spend: Legal Limits on Government Budgets
2025-07-16 17:00 - 18:30
Do state balanced budget requirements (i.e., tax and expenditure limitations) effectively constrain government spending? How can tax policy promote efficient collection and use of taxpayer dollars?
These questions and more will be explored with special attention to Missouri and the City of St. Louis. Topics will include Missouri’s Hancock Amendment along with the City of St. Louis’s fiscal woes and its notorious 1% earnings tax, among other things.
Spots are limited! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about tax policy AND earn CLE credit!
Registration Begins June 30, 2025.
Register Here
Note: If this event is marked as “Sold Out,” those wishing to attend should email events@showmeinstitute.org to inquire about available seats.

Columbia: Understanding the New Golden Age
2025-08-01 11:30 - 13:00
During his inaugural speech on January 20, 2025, President Trump proclaimed the beginning of the New Golden Age, a time of “unparalleled growth and success for America.” The New Golden Age will include manufacturing dominance and expanded market access, preserving tax cuts, entrepreneurship, and prosperity for all Americans.
What is the status of the administration’s pro-economic growth plan? Are Americans experiencing greater success and purchasing power?
The Show-Me Institute and 93.9 The Eagle are pleased to welcome back Dr. Aaron Hedlund for an insightful look into the economic plans of the Trump Administration. Dr. Hedlund is the Show-Me Institute’s chief economist, and currently on a leave of absence serving as chief economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
A complimentary lunch will be provided.
RSVP Required.
Register Here
Note: If this event is marked as “Sold Out,” those wishing to attend should email events@showmeinstitute.org to inquire about available seats.
Advance registration is required. No on-site or walk-up registration will be permitted.

Kansas City: Understanding the New Golden Age
2025-08-01 16:30 - 18:00
During his inaugural speech on January 20, 2025, President Trump proclaimed the beginning of the New Golden Age, a time of “unparalleled growth and success for America.” The New Golden Age will include manufacturing dominance and expanded market access, preserving tax cuts, entrepreneurship, and prosperity for all Americans.
What is the status of the administration’s pro-economic growth plan? Are Americans experiencing greater success and purchasing power?
The Show-Me Institute is pleased to welcome back Dr. Aaron Hedlund for an insightful look into the economic plans of the Trump Administration. Dr. Hedlund is the Show-Me Institute’s chief economist, and currently on a leave of absence serving as chief economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
Cost: $20 (includes beverages and light snacks)
RSVP Required.
Register Here

Next Gen Connection Hour with the Show-Me Institute
2025-08-19 16:45 - 18:00
How will the One Big Beautiful Bill impact Missouri?
Get the scoop! Join us for the Show-Me Institute’s Next Gen Connection Hour. Brenda Talent, Elias Tsapelas, and Avery Frank will discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill will impact Missourians, from changes affecting Medicaid recipients to broadening tax credits, prioritizing America First energy, changes to education policy, and more. And how will all these changes affect the Federal deficit and debt?
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
4:45 – 5:15 p.m. Networking Reception
5:15 – 6:00 p.m. Discussion and Q&A
Cafe Napoli
7754 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
This complimentary event is open to anyone interested in learning more about policies that could shape Missouri’s future. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues.
Please rsvp by emailing LaVanna Wrobley. We hope you’ll join us!

Fund Students, Not Buildings: How School Choice Impacts Education Finance
2025-09-16 16:30 - 18:30
How does school choice impact the way states fund education? What lessons can Missouri learn from states like Texas and Florida that have embraced education choice? What does the evidence show about the effects of universal open enrollment?
Join us on for a panel discussion with Cory Koedel, director of education policy at the Show-Me Institute, and Martin Lueken, director of EdChoice’s Fiscal Research and Education Center. Susan Pendergrass, director of research at the Show-Me Institute, will moderate a discussion between Cory and Martin on the fiscal impacts of school choice programs, how these policies affect education spending, what the education provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could mean for Missouri’s students, parents, and taxpayers, and more.
Tuesday, September 16
MAC West
1777 Des Peres Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Reception: 4:30 p.m.
Program: 5:30 p.m.
Complimentary (includes beverages and appetizers).
Registration for this event is now closed.If you have any questions, please email events@showmeinstitute.org.
RSVP was required for attendance. Walk-in registration will not be permitted.

Education in Missouri: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
2025-09-18 11:30 - 13:00
Join us for the inside scoop on the state of education in Missouri!
Show-Me Institute CEO Brenda Talent, Director of Research Susan Pendergrass, and Director of Education Policy Cory Koedel will discuss the expansion of charter schools into Columbia, the need for the state to embrace universal open enrollment, the $50 million investment in the MOScholars program, the education provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and more.
We hope you will join us!
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Country Club of Missouri
1300 Woodrail Avenue
Columbia, MO 65203
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 12-1:00 p.m.
Ticket Price: $20.00
(includes lunch and beverages)

Buy Your Ticket Here

Next Gen Connection Hour with the Show-Me Institute
2025-10-07 16:45 - 18:00
Get the Scoop! Two Pressing Issues Facing Missourians!
Join us for the Show-Me Institute’s Next Gen Connection Hour. Brenda Talent, David Stokes, and Avery Frank will discuss local tax policy and the disturbing decline in third-grade reading proficiency.
We will cover these important topics with time to answer all your questions:
Momentum is growing across Missouri to make major reforms to property taxes, but would that promote long-term economic growth or simply shift the burden onto more harmful taxes like the income tax?
Can Missouri replicate the success of Mississippi, Indiana, and Tennessee by implementing literary-based reforms? What reforms will work best?
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
4:45–5:15 p.m. Networking Reception
5:15–6:00 p.m. Discussion and Q&A
Cafe Napoli
7754 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
This complimentary event is open to anyone interested in learning more about policies that could shape Missouri’s future. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues.
Please RSVP by emailing LaVanna Wrobley. We hope you’ll join us!
This event is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of: Jennifer Bukowsky, James G. Forsyth III, Gregg Keller, Rex Sinquefield, and Carter Smith.

October 14: Insider's Hour
2025-10-14 11:30 - 13:00
Building Better Cities: Free-Market Municipal Reform in Missouri
How should Missouri’s cities, towns, and villages organize, fund, and operate themselves to better serve residents and taxpayers?
Join David Stokes, director of municipal policy at the Show-Me Institute, for a discussion of municipal reform in Missouri. Drawing on his multi-part series A Free-Market Guide for Missouri Municipalities, David will outline how local governments can improve accountability, streamline services, and foster economic growth through free-market principles. The latest installment in the series focuses on planning and zoning reform, key issues that affect communities across the state.
This event offers municipal officials, taxpayer advocates, and engaged citizens an opportunity to learn how free-market approaches can improve governance and service delivery in Missouri’s municipalities.
Tuesday, October 14
MAC West
1777 Des Peres Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Doors Open 11:30 a.m.
Program: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 (includes lunch)
Register Here

Economic Development in Springfield
2025-10-15 11:30 - 13:00
Do Incentives Deliver on the Promises?
Springfield is planning a new convention center project, estimated to cost $175 million, with funding coming from a half-cent sales tax, state support, and private partnerships. Recently, the Springfield City Council unanimously approved placing a measure on the November 4 ballot that would increase the lodging tax from 13.1% to 16% to help fund the convention center project.
Join us as Patrick Tuohey, senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute, lays out the pros and cons of subsidies and tax incentives used to fund economic development projects.
Please RSVP by emailing events@showmeinstitute.org.
Wednesday, October 15
The Library Center
4653 S. Campbell Avenue
Springfield, MO 65810
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 12—1:00 p.m.
Complimentary lunch will be served.
RSVP HERE FOR THIS FREE EVENT
Advance registration is required. Walk-up registration will not be permitted.

Insider's Hour with the Show-Me Institute - 2026 Blueprint
2025-12-08 11:30 - 13:30
The 2026 Blueprint: Moving Missouri Forward is here!
The Show-Me Institute will focus on 17 key policy areas in 2026 to strengthen Missouri’s economy, expand educational freedom, advance free-market healthcare reforms, and ensure affordable and reliable energy. These proposals are presented in The 2026 Blueprint: Moving Missouri Forward, which will be discussed for the first time at the MAC West on December 8, 2026.
We invite you to attend this rare opportunity to hear from all of the Show-Me Institute’s scholars at one event. Together, they will discuss these reforms, outline specific challenges facing Missouri, provide background and analysis, and present actionable solutions designed to improve everyday life for Missourians.
Monday, December 8
MAC West
1777 Des Peres Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.
Discussion and Q&A: 12—1:30 p.m.
Ticket Price $20 (includes lunch and beverages)
REGISTER HERE

Examining Crime and Public Safety Trends in St. Louis
2026-01-21 16:30 - 18:00 | The Knight Center at Washington University, Throop and Snow Way, St. Louis, MO, 63130, United States
Please join us for an in-depth discussion on crime and public safety trends in St. Louis. Patrick Tuohey, Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, will be joined by local experts Gabe Gore, St. Louis Circuit Attorney; Janet Lauritsen, Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emerita at the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Missouri–St. Louis; and Pernell Witherspoon, Senior Professor of Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University.
Over the past five years, the number of crimes committed in St. Louis has decreased; however, the city is still perceived as dangerous. What are the actual crime statistics, what are their real implications, and what shapes public perception? Our panel of experts will address these questions and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, share your perspective, and participate in an informed community conversation on crime and public safety in St. Louis.
Complimentary Reception: 4:30 p.m. (including beverages and light appetizers)
Program and Q&A: 5-6:00 p.m.
Please register for this complimentary event by emailing events@showmeinstitute.org. Please include your name and specify which date you will attend in your email. Walk-ins will not be admitted.

Examining Crime and Public Safety in St. Louis
2026-02-10 16:30 - 18:00 | MAC West, 1777 Des Peres Rd, Des Peres, 63131, United States
Please join us for an in-depth discussion on crime and public safety trends in the City of St. Louis. Patrick Tuohey, Senior Fellow at the Show-Me Institute, will be joined by local experts Steve Capizzi, First Assistant to St. Louis Circuit Attorney; Janet Lauritsen, Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emerita at the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Missouri–St. Louis; and Pernell Witherspoon, Senior Professor of Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University.
Over the past five years, the number of crimes committed in St. Louis has decreased; however, the city is still perceived as dangerous. What are the actual crime statistics, what are their real implications, and what shapes public perception? Our panel of experts will address these questions and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, share your perspective, and participate in an informed community conversation on crime and public safety in St. Louis.
Complimentary Reception: 4:30 p.m. (including beverages and light appetizers)
Program and Q&A: 5-6:00 p.m.
Please register for this complimentary event by emailing events@showmeinstitute.org. Please include your name in your email. Walk-ins will not be admitted.
