Missouri is another step closer to protecting benefits intended for foster kids.
The state House of Representatives has passed a bill that would put a stop to the state seizing benefits given to foster kids if their parents die. Missouri currently uses the benefits to help care for the children.
Rep. Melissa Schmidt, R-Eldridge, is the sponsor of the House Bill 737.
“These funds that were pension dollars from a deceased parent, a veteran or someone who worked for the railroad possibly, or SSI benefits, those pension dollars are earmarked for that child and set in a separate account. So when that child turns 18, those pension dollars are accessible for them to use for education, transportation, housing,” Schmidt told reporters.
“We have a responsibility to be good stewards to our foster children and to their finances,” she said.
In a show of bipartisanship, Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, said she also supports the bill.
“It serves some of the most vulnerable people in our state and it’s my opinion that those are the issues that we should continue to focus on,” said Aune.
The proposal’s next hoop to jump through is the Missouri Senate.
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