Welcome back to Under the Dome, your weekly update on the goings-on of the Missouri state legislature.

The Freedom Caucus Is Here And They’re Going To Ruin Everything

Last week when session opened, Senate President Caleb Rowden urged his colleagues to focus on the work over their own personal political careers. But the Freedom Caucus is here and ready to screw that up.

The Freedom Caucus has said its members plan to go through legislation with a fine-tooth comb, searching for ways to make it more conservative. Anything that doesn’t pass the test, they’ll do their best to keep from passing. Get ready for some lengthy (and stupid) floor debate – and don’t hold your breath for policy that helps Missourians.

The Legislature Is Hearing Bills To Defund Neighborhood Schools

This week, legislators in committees heard a handful of bills to expand voucher and open enrollment programs, which would strip funding from Missouri public schools. One of the bills, proposed by Sen. Andrew Koenig, a Republican from Manchester, would give parents making up to $220,000 a year government dollars to send their kids to private schools.