As a lawmaker and a member of the Missouri Veterans Commission, I am very proud of the progress we have made as a state to help both active-duty military members and veterans to make our state as military-friendly as possible. As Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11, it is important to recognize the strides our state has made in the last 10 legislative sessions.

During the last session, several bills passed the General Assembly and were signed into law. House Bill 1125 was the first bill signed by the governor this year. It allows a member of the Armed Forces, while deployed, to have a proxy fill in for them on the first day of filing for a state office, thereby providing a chance to be listed first on the ballot.

House Bill 1724 allows the Adjutant General to provide assistance or services from the Missouri Military Family Relief fund to members of the U.S. Armed Forces or Missouri National Guard and their families.

A bill that passed in 2013, Senate Bill 116, took effect July 1 this year. This piece of legislation allows Missourians living overseas, including members of the military, to register to vote and request absentee ballots online through a website set up by the secretary of state’s office. For more information, visit online at www.momilitaryvote.com.

Probably the most significant piece of legislation was passed in 2007. House Bill 444 allows for military pensions to no longer be taxed for state income tax purposes. It was enhanced two years later to go into effect immediately upon retirement from the military. This tax savings will be totally phased in by the year 2016.

In 2005, legislation creating the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission (MMPEC) passed both chambers. Senate Bill 252 and House Bill 348 created the panel to advise the governor and the General Assembly on military issues. I was honored to be one of the first legislators to sit on the commission.

I was honored to present these legislative highlights to both the Warrensburg City Council and Whiteman Air Force Base Community Council. To see these presentations, please visit my Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/pearce, hover over the “Media” tab and click on “Publications.”

Missouri is privileged to be home to many members of the Armed Forces, with a number of guard, reserve and active duty military installations, as well as seven veterans homes and five veterans cemeteries. This state has a strong history of providing for the military. As we move forward, we need to continue to support those brave men and women who offer their services, their very lives, to protect our state and nation. As we approach Veterans Day, please take a moment to thank those who have served and those who continue to serve to keep our country safe.

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.