A bill moving through the House would give stay-at-home moms $600 per year, every year they care for children under the age of 16 at home,  hoping to invest in getting them back into the workforce once those children are grown.

But some say that's leaving out a growing number of dads who say they make just as good caretakers for their children.

Some mid-Missouri moms say the idea of a stay-at-home scholarship sounds great.

"I'm excited about it," said stay-at-home mom Angie Oreskovich. "Being a stay-at-home mom, I would appreciate the extra $600."

The money would allow them to bounce back to school or a career once the kids are grown.

"This would go to women who have sacrificed their careers for their children," said Rep. Cynthia Davis, R-O'Fallon.

The bill comes in response to a federal law which gives a tax credit to parents seeking daycare.

Davis says why not give that same money to mothers who care for their own kids.

"It's not a wise use of state resources," said Rep. Mary Still, D-Columbia. "We need to move women into the workforce, not out of it. When times are tough, most families need to rely on two paychecks."

However, there are also stay-at-home dads.

"It [taking care of my child] means everything to me. I couldn't do anything else other than take care of him," said stay-at-home dad John Higgins.

The bill is specific in paying mothers and not fathers.

Rep. Davis says, "Mothers are natural nurturers. Fathers are not. It goes back to the hunter and gatherers type".

"Men can also be nurturing," said stay-at-home dad David Beech.

Rep. Still says to make ends meet these days, two paychecks are better than one. She instead supports flexible work policies for mothers.

Rep. Davis says being there to raise their children is more important.

"I think it needs to be rewritten. There are lots of guys out there who are stay-at-home dads. We can change diapers," said Higgins.

The bill is currently being considered by the House. If lawmakers pass the bill, the money wouldn't be need-based and therefore would be available to any moms staying home with their children.