SS SB 219 -- VETERANS RECOGNITION

SPONSOR:  Steelman (Smith, 14)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Homeland
Security and Veterans Affairs by a vote of 17 to 0.

This substitute allows any Korean Conflict veteran who served on
active duty between June 27, 1950, and January 31, 1955, who was
honorably discharged, and who resides in Missouri to receive a
medallion, medal, and a certificate of appreciation.  The
Adjutant General will determine those persons who are eligible
for the award.  Applications may be filed during calendar year
2004.  Any veteran, spouse, or eldest living survivor of a
deceased veteran who meets the qualifications outlined in the
substitute may apply for a Korean Conflict medallion, medal, and
a certificate.  The Korean Conflict Veterans' Recognition Award
Fund is created and must be used to fund the design, manufacture,
and distribution of the medallions, medals, and certificates.

The substitute allows the Missouri Veterans Commission to expend
funds from the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust
Fund in order to pay for the Korean Conflict Medallion Program.

Currently, any funds remaining from the medals, medallions, and
certificates are to be utilized to pay for buglers at the burial
of veterans.  The substitute removes that provision and states
that the moneys will not be transferred to any other fund and
must only be utilized for the awarding of future medals,
medallions, and certificates in recognition of service in the
armed forces.

Further, the substitute extends the World War II Medallion
Program from July 1, 2003, to July 1, 2004, and allows the eldest
living survivor of a deceased veteran to apply for a medallion.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to the Veterans Commission
Capital Improvement Trust Fund of $839,616 in FY 2004, $818,593
in FY 2005, and $0 in FY 2006.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the substitute will recognize
Korean veterans for their military service.  The program for
World War II veterans is already in place and can also take care
of the Korean recognition program.  The funds are also available
because the World War II program did not use all of its funding.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Steelman's office; and
General George D. Shull.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:13 am