For Those Who Serve
The men and women who wear the uniforms of the United States Armed Services make many sacrifices for our country. Military duty requires time away from home and loved ones, frequent moves and, frankly, the pay’s not great. Some who serve sacrifice even more, with permanent disability or even death being the price of valor.
The least we can do for our military heroes is honor them, and do what we can to lessen the burdens on servicemen and women and their families. During the 2019 legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly put forward a number of measures to do just that. The following is a highlight of legislation passed this year that relates to veterans and military families.
Senate Bill 87 – Missouri taxpayers can now donate a portion of their state income tax refund to the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in St. Louis Fund. Dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1936, the memorial honors veterans from the St. Louis area who gave their lives for our country. The memorial and museum recently reopened, following a $30 million renovation.
Senate Bill 89 and Senate Bill 368 – Qualified military veterans may forego the driving skills exam and written tests when applying for a commercial driver’s license. The Legislature recognized that if a driver was good enough for the military, the state of Missouri shouldn’t make them prove themselves all over again.
Senate Bill 180 – This bill extends economic development incentives authorized under the Missouri Works program to projects that increase employment on military installations. Tax credits would be available to projects that add at least 10 military or civilian support jobs, or that result in the expansion of a military facility.
Senate Bill 282 – This legislation, which I sponsored, streamlines Missouri’s laws relating to death certificates and the disposition of human bodies. Although the bill does not specifically mention military personnel, the reforms will ease the burdens of military spouses and dependents at a time of great stress and heartache.
Senate Bill 306 – Military families locating to Missouri will not be required to appear in person when enrolling their children in school, but may register remotely. Proof of residency will not be required at the time of registration.
In addition, the existing Veteran’s Survivors Grant will continue indefinitely, as this bill removes the previous sunset provision. This program pays for college tuition and other higher education costs for survivors of qualifying military personnel. SB 306 also makes changes to the Missouri Returning Heroes’ Education Act, which offers reduced tuition costs to combat veterans who served after 9/11.
House Bill 547 – The measure encourages all court jurisdictions in Missouri to create veteran’s treatment courts and seek alternatives to incarceration for offenders with prior military service, especially when they’re charged with criminal offenses involving substance abuse or that result from mental health disorders.
House Bill 565 – November 9 will forever be known as “Stars and Stripes Day” in Missouri in honor of the official newspaper of America’s Armed Forces. The first edition of Stars and Stripes was printed on that day in 1861 by Union soldiers in Bloomfield, Missouri. Still published today by the Defense Department, an act of Congress ensures the newspaper’s editorial autonomy and independence.
Each of these measures reflects the Legislature’s commitment to honoring military personnel, veterans and their families. As my Senate district includes Missouri’s largest military facility, and many active duty and retired military personnel live in the area, I am especially attuned to the needs of those who have served. If you are aware of ways that your state government can be more responsive to the needs of military members or veterans, I welcome your suggestions.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.