A bill that indirectly provides state funding for private schools and home schools is viewed as a victory for parent choice by some and potential cover for bad actors by others. The bill, which on Wednesday was still waiting for Gov. Mike Parson's signature, creates what are called Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. It offers $50 million in tax credits for donations to not-for-profit organizations that provide scholarships for student tuition to private schools and religious schools or costs for home schools. The scholarships can be used by students in any town with a population over 30,000. In the Senate, Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, voted in favor. In the House vote, Republicans Chuck Basye, Rocheport; Cheri Reisch, Hallsville; and Sara Walsh, Ashland, voted in favor of the bill. State Rep. Martha Stevens, D-Columbia, voted against it. The House vote happened before the election of Democratic State Rep. David Tyson Smith, of Columbia.