During the 2015 legislative session many pieces of legislation were passed and signed into law that will help the brave members of our military and their families. We want to make Missouri as military-friendly as possible, this includes encouraging military retirees and their families right here in our communities and neighborhoods. Lawmakers also want to show the U.S. Department of Defense that Missouri is one of the best states in the nation for military bases, personnel and assets. This year’s passed legislation allows for more voting abilities for those swerving overseas and medical coverage for soldiers and their dependents, just to name a few.
House Bill 338, of particular importance to the 21st Senatorial District, designates a portion of Highway 10 from the western border of the City of Norborne to the eastern border of the City of Hardin as the "Ray-Carroll County Veterans Memorial Highway." The costs for the special designation of the highway must be paid for by private donations.
Senate Bill 105, was combined with Senate Bill 34, and is designed to give deployed military members broader access to elections to cast absentee ballots for statewide and state legislative elections. The problem comes from different federal and state registration guidelines concerning military deadlines. Because the state guidelines are stricter, some deployed voters are not allowed to cast absentee ballots for statewide and state legislative elections. The new law will provide a consistent definition of who is allowed to register to vote by the military deadline and apply it to state and federal elections.
Senate Bill 254, creates the Korea Defense Service Medal License Plates, along with other specialty plates. This signed legislation creates a special license plate for any person who has been awarded the military service award known as the Korea Defense Service Medal. The plate will read Korea Defense Service Medal and includes an image of the service medal. Any person applying for the special license plate must pay a $15 fee and show proof they are a recipient of the medal. There is no additional fee charged for the personalization of the special license plate and no limit on the number of special license plates issued so long as each set of license plates issued is for use on vehicles owned or co-owned by the qualified applicant.
Senate Bill 287 allows veterans, their spouses and dependent children, as well as spouses and dependent children of deceased veterans, to be eligible for MO HealthNet benefits.
Senate Bill 474 designates Missouri as a "Purple Heart State" to honor combat wounded veterans for their service and sacrifice.
House Bill 1070 establishes the Office of Military Advocate within the Department of Economic Development. This newly created office will be advocating for military services and military bases in Missouri, creating a long-term plan on military sustainability, and helping to fulfill the mission of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission. The office must be administered by a military advocate who will be appointed for a six year term by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.
As your Senator of the 21st District, home to Whiteman Air Force base, ensuring our active duty, guard, reserves and veterans and their families are recognized for their sacrifice and allowed benefits that they are due, will continue to remain a priority of mine. 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.
Senator David Pearce serves Caldwell, Carroll, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Ray and Saline counties in the 21st State Senatorial District. |
