Nixon will sign Mo. military, veterans measures in Cape Girardeau

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed seven bills dealing with the military and veterans.

Nixon was promoting four of the measures Wednesday during events in Springfield and Cape Girardeau. He was set to stop in Cape Girardeau at the Missouri Veterans Home at 1:30 p.m.

One of the bills could help veterans qualify for lower in-state tuition rates at Missouri's public colleges and universities immediately after they leave the military.

Veterans with an honorable or general discharge will be required to "demonstrate presence and declare residency" to receive in-state tuition. Students currently must live in Missouri for 12 consecutive months, obtain a Missouri driver's license and earn at least $2,000 during a 12-month period.

Other newly signed measures are designed to help the state treasurer identify the owners of military medals that are unclaimed property and deal with voting by those overseas and in the military.

Look for more on the local stop later at www.semissourian.com and in Thursday's Southeast Missourian.