The Missouri House is considering a Senate-passed bill that would provide free college tuition to first responders.
SB 71 is sponsored by Republican Sen. David Gregory of St. Louis County. Specifically, it would give free tuition to police, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders with at least six years of service who attend a Missouri institution.
Joe Patterson with the St. Louis County Police Association testified in favor of the bill during a House committee hearing Monday.
“Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, recruitment or retention of public safety officials is at a crisis level,” Patterson said. “There are 200 less St. Louis County Police officers on the streets right now than there was when I left in 2019 to run the Police Association full time. There are no less calls for service. There are no less crimes being reported. There are no less people that need help.”
The bill would also provide free tuition for dependents of first responders with at least ten years of service.
Cade Tremain, Manager of Governmental Affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also testified in favor.
“Ultimately, we believe that creating these kind of pathways for first responders…obviously, it’s not just going to further their education and their skill set. As we’ve heard earlier, it’s a major retention issue,” he said. “First responders dedicate their lives to protecting us and our families, and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to invest into them and to their families.”
No one testified against the proposal during Monday’s hearing. A committee vote has not been scheduled yet.
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