This week, I had the opportunity to participate in a great national event that Missouri was honored to host. The Military Child Education Coalition hosted a discussion aimed toward developing better ways to handle the education of children who belong to members of our military branches. I was joined by three other citizens of the 21st District: Stormy Taylor, Executive Director of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County; Lynn Lowder, Director  of Military and Veteran Services for the University of Central Missouri and; Penny Monetti, local author and motivational speaker. As a member of the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) and as a lawmaker, I appreciate that I have the chance to be involved with legislation that deals with military members and veterans, as well as projects and events that enhance and improve their lives.

In my work with the MVC and past service on Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission (MMPEC), an impact commission that I helped organize in 2005, it is my goal to continue to make Missouri a more military-friendly state. This state is home to many aspects of military life, from training to retirement, and Missouri should utilize that fact for the sake of the men and women who fight for our freedoms and their families.

The 21st Senatorial District is home to 3,615 military dependents under the age of 18, with Johnson County having the second-highest population in the state with 2,932, while a total of 32,329 military children call the Show-Me State home. These children deserve the best we can provide for them. I was pleased to have the opportunity to present some discussion to the group during the event. I led a panel on a more in-depth discussion on SB 110 and House Bill 159, which removes the need for proof of residency for the children of service personnel deployed.

During the most recent legislative session, the General Assembly passed a number of bills dealing with various aspects of military members’ and veterans’ lives. Senate Bill 110, Senate Bill 117 and House Bill 148 all contain similar provisions dealing with child custody and visitation rights for military personnel, including both deploying and deployed persons. (removed SB 106 entirely)

SB 117 and House Bill 168 modifies residency requirements in order for military personnel to attend college in Missouri as in-state students, rather than pay the larger fees of an out-of-state student.

These six bills, along with other military-friendly legislation, were passed and have been sent to the governor for his consideration. For a full list of legislation by topic, visit www.senate.mo.gov, and click on “Topical Index” under the “Legislation” tab. The headings “Military Affairs” and “Veterans” offer further information regarding legislation dealing with these topics.

I am proud that I was asked to take part in this Military Child Education Coalition meeting that dealt so closely with Missouri’s current military and veterans, as well as the education of children born into military families. A military life is not an easy one, but by working to ensure good structure and an amazing educational experience, we hope to reach into the future and make it even brighter by affecting the present.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.