JEFFERSON CITY — Democratic leaders in the Missouri House punished a north St. Louis County lawmaker for joining with Republicans in an expansion of the state’s private school voucher program.
Rep. Marlene Terry said Tuesday that she was stripped of her committee assignments after advocating on behalf of an expansion of school choice in the state.
While the move has little practical effect as the General Assembly works toward its Friday deadline, Terry said in a speech on the floor that she has no regrets.
“I don’t have to be in a committee to be heard. I am a fighter,†Terry said. “I will fight tooth and nails for every child in the state of Missouri. I treat them as if they are my own.â€
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Terry was put in a spotlight last week by House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, who assigned her to a committee reviewing the state budget. Specifically, she served on a budget committee that endorsed a $50 million infusion for the MOScholars program, which is currently designed to run off of tax credit-eligible donations.
Republicans and Gov. Mike Kehoe successfully pushed for the bailout in hopes of jumpstarting the program, even though it could result in taxpayer dollars going to religious schools.
“There is nothing that can be taken from me or stop me from working on your behalf,†Terry said to her constituents in the 66th House District.
Terry was the first Black resident elected to the Riverview Gardens School Board, where she served nine years, including stints as president, vice president and board secretary.
Terry is the former chairwoman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus and, before the changes, she served on committees overseeing legislative review, corrections, ethics and children and families.
Her district includes Bellefontaine Neighbors, Spanish Lake and Riverview.
Word of the decision by House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, reverberated in the Capitol Monday, leading to an outburst by rank-and-file members in a rear House gallery that momentarily interrupted proceedings on the floor.
Aune leads of a Democratic team outnumbered in the House by a 109-52 margin.
“When you have poor leadership in this building, you get little or nothing done,†Terry said Tuesday.
In a separate statement released Tuesday, Terry said she would not be deterred in continuing to pursue initiatives that may not be supported by other Democrats.
“I will not allow the minority chair to dismiss my contribution because I believe it’s essential to uphold my dignity and ensure that every voice is heard. I will continue to advocate for the needs of the people and defend my right to vote on behalf of their interest,†Terry said.
Post-Dispatch photographers capture hundreds of images each week; here's a glimpse at the week of May 4, 2025. Video edited by Jenna Jones.
