SCS SB 701 & 948 -- NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
GRANTS

SPONSOR:  Crowell (Jackson)

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

Currently, a recipient of an educational assistance grant from
the National Guard is required to maintain his or her military
affiliation while enrolled in a course of study.  This substitute
requires that the guard member maintain his or her active
military affiliation for the academic semester or term.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is intended to help
guard members who are activated.  Currently, the National Guard
will not provide tuition assistance unless the recipient will
have three active years left in the enrollment period.  Most
individuals join for eight years and spend up to five working on
their degree, leaving three years.  Many have been activated and
cannot receive a four-year degree and have three years left in
the enrollment period.  The bill says that, as long as a member
is on active drill status, he or she is eligible for educational
assistance.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Crowell; and Office of the
Adjutant General.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Alice Hurley, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:46 am