Legislators are making it a priority to help veterans get back into the work force, or get an education after they return to civilian life.
Sen. Will Kraus (R-Jackson County) has a bill that would exempt veterans from paying out-of-state tuition in Missouri after serving.
Dewey Riehn with Veterans of Foreign Wars tells the House Veterans Committee there’s a federal push to force in-state residency for all service members, but that Missouri should pass a law regardless.
Another bill sponsored by Sen. Dan Brown (R-Rolla) gives college credit for training received in the military. Veterans Committee Chairman, Rep. Charlie Davis (R-Webb City) says the bill makes sense, and that he wishes he had received credit for electronics and other courses he took while serving in the Navy for six years.
Davis says the measure is part of an omnibus measure that’s received no opposition to this point. In fact, he asks, “Is there anyone brave enough to speak out against this bill?”
The University of Central Missouri and Missouri Southern both testified in favor of the measures.
The bills need one more vote of approval in House Rules before heading to the full chamber for debate. They have yet to see any opposition in either chamber.
AUDIO: Jessica Machetta reports (1:10)