New law to benefit military and veterans

Saturday, July 18, 2009

* Fisher negotiates a compromise.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has signed a bill that provides help to Missouri military families and veterans and will go into effect on Aug. 28.

House Bill 427, supported by Representative Barney Fisher (R-Richards) and handled by Senator David Pearce (R-Warrensburg) in the Senate had overwhelming support with a 33-1 vote in the Senate and only seven no votes in the House.

There are several provisions in the new law, including:

* A requirement that in-state college tuition will continue for military dependents even if the military member is re-assigned outside Missouri and the student remains continuously enrolled.

* The establishment the "Heroes Way Interstate Interchange Designation Program", to honor the fallen Missouri heroes who have been killed in action while performing active military duty with the armed forces in Afghanistan or Iraq on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

* Several provisions to improve the effectiveness of the Missouri Veterans' Commission.

As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and someone who understands the challenges facing military families, Fisher was appointed to a committee to resolve differences in versions of the bill passed in the House and Senate.

Fisher stated, "I was glad to be part of the committee that came up with a bill that both the Senate and House would pass. There is widespread support in both chambers to enact laws to help active military, veterans and their families."

Senator Pearce continued his success of negotiating bills through the legislature that help military families overcome difficulties they encounter when moving from one state to another.

As an original member of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, he was able to examine the issues that impact military members that many civilians don't think of. "Most Missouri citizens do not experience the turmoil of moving from state to state on a fairly regular basis like those in the military. Things like school enrollment, voting, and residency requirements for in-state college tuition can become quite a burden. I hope that this new law along with others put in place in recent years will make their stay in Missouri a positive experience they will remember."

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