HCS HB 957 -- WAR ON TERROR VETERAN SURVIVOR GRANTS

SPONSOR:  Shoemaker, 8 (Cunningham, 145)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Homeland
Security and Veterans Affairs by a vote of 16 to 0.

This substitute creates a grant program for survivors of Missouri
veterans who died in, or as a result of, the war on terror in
Afghanistan and Iraq.  Up to 25 grants may be given annually,
with the option to petition the General Assembly for more grants
if the waiting list exceeds 50.  The grants may be used for
educational programs at public postsecondary institutions that
lead to a certificate, associate, or first bachelor's degree.
The amount of each grant cannot exceed 100% of the tuition and
the cost of books, when combined with other aid.  The
Coordinating Board for Higher Education will administer the
program.  Survivors will be certified as eligible by a state
veterans service officer or a Veterans Administration medical
authority, depending on the circumstances of the veteran's death.

The program requires that surviving children be permitted to
apply for full benefits until they reach 25 years of age.
Surviving spouses will also be permitted to apply for full
benefits until they reach 45 years of age.

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

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $0 to
$255,475 in FY 2005, $0 to $262,000 in FY 2006, and $0 to
$268,850 in FY 2007.  Subject to appropriation.  No impact on
Other State Funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will encourage
enrollment in college by providing an educational grant for
eligible recipients pursuing a certificate or an associate or
first baccalaureate degree at a public educational institution in
Missouri.  The completion of an educational program will help
survivors enter or re-enter the labor market.  The bill will
limit the grant and funding received from additional sources from
exceeding the total cost of tuition and books charged to an
eligible recipient.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Cunningham (145).

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am