HCS#2 HB 94 & 185 -- SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SURVIVORS OF VETERANS
KILLED IN ACTION

SPONSOR:  Jackson (Cunningham, 145)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Veterans
by a vote of 11 to 0.

This substitute allows the children and the spouse of a soldier
who is killed in action after September 11, 2001, or who becomes
80% disabled as the result of an injury sustained in combat
action after September 11, 2001, to receive an educational grant
for tuition at a public or private college or university in
Missouri.  The tuition grant cannot exceed that which is charged
a resident by the University of Missouri-Columbia.  The veteran
must have been a Missouri resident at the time of death or the
injury in order for his or her survivors to receive this grant.
In addition to the full cost of tuition, the grant includes
$2,000 per semester for room and board and the actual cost of
books up to $500 per semester.

Children are eligible to receive the scholarship until age 25.
Spouses are eligible until age 45.

No eligible student will receive a grant for more than 100% of
tuition when combined with similar funds given to the student.

The provisions of the substitute will expire six years from the
effective date.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $0 to
$265,475 in FY 2006, $0 to $272,500 in FY 2007, and $0 to
$279,875 in FY 2008.  Subject to appropriation.  No impact on
Other State Funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will provide
educational assistance to the children and spouses of Missouri
veterans killed or injured in combat after September 11, 2001.
This is important because it will give the survivors an
opportunity to improve their economic status through education.
This is of vital importance for a family who has lost the income
earned by an injured or deceased soldier.  Children and spouses
who already have a baccalaureate degree are not eligible, and any
grant awarded will be reduced by the amount of other scholarships
and financial aid received by the student so that no one receives
more than 100% of the cost of tuition.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Cunningham (145) and
Cooper (158); Missouri Veterans Commission; Marine Corps League;
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; Missouri
Association of Veterans Organizations; American Legion; and Pat
Rowe Kerr.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:18 pm