Military Benefits Bill Moves Forward In House

The survivors of Missouri’s military killed in the present conflict would receive a free college education under a bill moving forward in the House. Representative Mike Cunningham of Marshfield sponsors the bill that would provide up to 25 scholarships to Missouri colleges for the children or the spouse of a soldier killed in Iraq or Afghanistan. Cunningham patterns his effort on one approved during the Viet Nam War era. The bill would provide a maximum of $265,000 a year, enough for 25 scholarships. If demand exceeds that, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education could request the Legislature expand the number up to 50. The bill contains a six year sunset, forcing the Legislature to review it in six years.