State Senator seeks to repeal ban on state funds to religious organizations

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Intro:	A Missouri Senate committee heard testimony on repealing the ban on state money going to aid a religious organization.
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Wrap: The Senate General Laws committee met to discuss an amendment repealing the so-called "Blaine Amendment."

St. Charles Republican Senator Scott Rupp says his new amendment would remove language barring any type of funding to religious or private institutions.

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Description: "The state from this point forward will need to put people of faith the same way that it would treat any other secular citizen or organization."

Opponents said the bill could open the door for state funding to go towards religious groups who are intolerant.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Crystall Cho.

Intro:	A Missouri senator faced strong opposition about his plan to eliminate the ban of state funds going to religious groups.
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Wrap: The Senate General Laws Committee heard testimony on St. Charles Republican Senator Scott Rupp's proposed constitutional amendment.

The amendment would eliminate the ban on taxpayer funds going to religious institutions.

Karen Aroesty from the Anti-Defamation League says the bill would fundamentally change the relationship between the state and religion for the state of Missouri.

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Description: "I would suggest before you vote in favor of this rather drastic proposal, that you consider its broader impact and that we would stand in oppositon."

The committee has taken no immediate action on the bill.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Crystall Cho.

Intro:	Senate committee discusses changes to a provision in the constitution, banning state funds being used to aid religious organizations.
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Wrap: St. Charles Republican Senator Scott Rupp proposes to removing the prohibition on public funding toward religions organizations.

Rupp says Missouri has the most restrictive Constitution in the country when it comes to giving funds to religious organizations.

Tyler McClay a lobbyist for the Missouri Catholic Conference testified in favor of the bill.

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Description: "We are supportive of the bill. We think that there are many Catholic schools that can offer support to students of failing districts and across the state."

Opponents said the bill would fundamentally change the definition of a public school and could cost the state a hefty amount of money.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Crystall Cho.