Bill would cover college for chlldren of KIA soldiers

Rep. Nathan Cooper has introduced a bill in the Missouri House of Represenatives that would pay scholarships to children of soldiers who die in combat.

HB185, which was passed unanimously by the House Veterans Committee on Wednesday, would allow the soldier's child to receive a scholarship for full tuition, an allowance of $2,000 per semester for room and board, and reimbursement of up to $500 per semester for the actual cost of books, meaning the state could potentially pay $125,000 in survivor scholarships.

Cooper, R-Cape Girardeau, said it's unlikely the state would ever spend that much in one year. He said 14 children currently qualify for the scholarship, the oldest being 6 years old. He said some will likely choose out-of-state schools or decide not to go to college.

The Coordinating Board of Higher Education would be required to award up to 25 grants annually. The survivor must be enrolled in a public Missouri college or university in a program that will lead to a certificate or an associate or bachelor's degree. Any additional financial aid must be reported to the board, and all sources of financial aid will be considered. The survivor cannot receive more than 100 percent of the cost of tuition and books.

Cooper said the bill would have no effect on the next fiscal year.

He said four people testified for the bill in the committee meeting Wednesday and three others provided written testimony. All were in favor of the bill.

"This is the least we can do for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice," he said.

Cooper said the idea came out of a discussion with Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, who suggested that Cooper sponsor the bill. Cooper said of the 14 children who currently qualify, none is from Southeast Missouri.

But, he said, local Veteran of Foreign Wars groups and the American Legion support the bill.

bmiller@semissourian.com

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