As a legislator, veterans’ concerns have been a large part of my focus since coming to the Capitol. Measures passed during the 2013 regular legislative session are designed to benefit Missouri’s past and present servicemen and women.  This session was very productive in helping our active duty, guard, reserve and veterans across our state, and we continue to work to make Missouri the most military friendly it can be for all members of the Armed Forces who call our state home.

As we know, some veterans have a very difficult transition back to civilian life.  Left untreated, veterans coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, among other illnesses, can directly lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.  However, veterans’ treatment courts allow for a more sensitive reaction to these former servicemen and women’s needs.  This session saw the passage of House Bills 374 & 434, along with Senate Bill 118, creating veterans’ treatment courts, which handle cases involving substance abuse or mental illness in current or previous military personnel.  These courts give our veterans’ a better opportunity for growth and rehabilitation than if moved through the public courts.

As chair of the Senate Education Committee, I remain committed to ensuring a quality learning experience for all members of our society, including those individuals who belong to our Armed Forces.  Senate Bill 106 calls for higher education institutions to accept courses awarded by the military as academic credit if the course meets the schools’ standards for credit.  The legislation also waives renewal fees for military personnel who have health-related professional licenses or certificates as long as that member is on active duty and in good standing.  In addition, the bill allows for delay in modification of child custody rights if a parent is or is about to be deployed until 90 days after the deployment ends.

Women have served honorably with courage in all of America’s wars and conflicts since the American Revolution.  With an expanding population of women serving in our Armed Services, the General Assembly this year brought attention to the need for these valuable members to be treated with the respect they deserve.  House Concurrent Resolution 16 encourages the Missouri Veterans Commission to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to address the specific needs of women veterans and to formally honor the service and sacrifice of female military personnel.

I have the privilege of serving on the Missouri Veterans Commission, a panel established to assist all Missouri veterans by keeping up-to-date on rights and benefits available through both the state and federal government. This week, my fellow commissioners and I met at the Missouri State Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon.  During our quarterly meeting, members discussed many of the functions of the commission, including our state’s seven veterans’ homes, its five cemeteries, and the service officers who provide Missouri’s veterans with timely benefits assistance, skilled nursing care and a final resting place with honor. 

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.