Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Bills Honoring Missouri Veterans
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Matt Blunt today signed bills strengthening
Missouri’s
laws honoring veterans and helping to provide for and protect their families.
“The
bills I signed today give our veterans and their families the appreciation
and respect they earned and most certainly deserve,” Blunt said. “No
single group of men and women has done more for our nation, our freedom and
our rights than our Veterans. It is my honor to recognize them by signing
these important bills.”
House Bill
978, sponsored by Rep. Joe Smith, creates the Vietnam War Medallion Program. The
bill honors those who served in the Vietnam War with a symbol of Missouri’s
appreciation for their service to our nation.
House Bill
983, sponsored by Rep. Tim Meadows, requires the U.S. and Missouri flags to
be flown at half-staff on all government buildings on September 11. The
gesture will help honor the memory of the lives lost and forever changed by
the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
House Bill
984, sponsored by Rep. Tim Meadows, encourages Missourians to display the POW/MIA
flag on specific holidays. It calls on businesses, individuals and state
agencies to display the flag on Memorial Day, July 4, September 11 and Veterans
Day to commemorate the service and sacrifice of those soldiers whose whereabouts
are still unknown.
House Bill
1491, sponsored by Rep. Juanita Head Walton, calls on the state to identify
Medicaid recipients who are also eligible for medical services from the Veterans
Administration (VA) and to encourage qualified applicants to take advantage
of VA medical services. The bill will enable the Missouri Veterans Commission
to reach more veterans and assist them in accessing their rightfully earned
benefits.
House Bill
1552, sponsored by Rep. Michael Brown, will help more homeless Veterans access
their benefits. Under this legislation, homeless veterans may use the
post office box or voice mail box of a well-established charitable or religious
organization as a substitute address on applications or forms necessary to
receive their benefits from the state or federal government.
House Bill
1787, sponsored by Rep. Jack Jackson, will help spouses and families of active-duty
National Guard and reserve service members maintain economic stability. The
legislation will provide resources to families when the primary income earner
is called to active duty for more than four months. Assistance ranges from
providing daycare or transportation to offering training and vocational counseling.
Senate Bill
1026, sponsored by Sen. John Cauthorn, capitalizes on the Lt. Governor’s
role as Veterans Advisory Council Chairman to foster and encourage veterans
education programs. The bill authorizes the Lieutenant Governor to administer
select veterans programs and funds.
###