House OKs vet family scholarships

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Children and spouses of military veterans killed in recent combat could get a free ride to college under legislation that won initial approval in the House on Wednesday.

The legislation would provide tuition, a $2,000 room and board allowance and up to $500 for books per semester for children and spouses of Missouri veterans killed or 80 percent disabled while serving in the military since the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Up to 25 grants a year could be awarded.

"We have a responsibility to provide an education for the families of these veterans if needed," said sponsoring Rep. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville.

The tuition grants could be used at any Missouri college, public or private. But the amount would be limited to the cost of attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. Students would have to meet certain academic standards to keep the scholarship in future years.

The bill, approved on a voice vote, needs another vote to move to the Senate.

---

Veterans scholarship bill is HB1078.

On the Net:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov