Senate Bill 830 & Senate Bill 1036

Senator Maida Coleman thinks the best way to say “thank you to the brave men and women from Missouri who have answered this nation’s call to duty” is to help combat veterans and their families get a college degree.

Coleman is sponsoring a bill (SB 830) that would cap tuition at $50 per credit hour for returning Missouri veterans who are seeking a degree or certificate. She is sponsoring another bill that would pay up to 50% of the college costs for children and spouses of Missouri veterans who are killed in combat (SB 1036).

SB 830, known as the “Missouri Returning Heroes’ Education Act,” is cosponsored by Republican Senator Kevin Engler. It has unanimously passed the Senate and moves onto the House for consideration.

SB 1036 is currently in the Pensions, Veteran’s Affairs, and General Laws Committee. It would create 25 new educational grants that would pay up to 50% of the survivor’s tuition costs, $500 per semester for books, and $2000 for room and board.

Coleman sponsored legislation similar to both bills during the 2006 and 2007 sessions.

Senate Bill 771

Senator Ryan McKenna (D-Crystal City), introduced legislation to create an income tax credit for contributions made to provide military personnel with armored protection.

This dollar-for-dollar tax credit is limited to $1000 per taxpayer per year and works like a donation to a non-profit organization. The credit would also apply to in-kind contributions of body armor, armor plating for vehicles, or other materials used to make armor.

Senate Bill 1062

Senator Frank Barnitze (D-Lake Spring) says that “A lot of folks serving in the military…should not have to worry about filing (tax) reports in a timely manner in order to avoid financial penalties when they are putting their lives on the line for our country.”

His offering a bill that would allow active duty soldiers and members of National Guard and Reserves to delay filing corporate and franchise tax reports with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office for 120 days from the completion of their military service. The bill is designed to help farmers or small business owner serving in the military.

SB 1062 is currently being reviewed by the Pensions, Veteran’s Affairs, and General Laws Committee.