Women's Foundation Advocated for Program which was included in Higher Education Bill
Kansas City, MO - Today, Governor Jay Nixon signed a higher education bill that included the reauthorization of the Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grant Program, a program for which Women’s Foundation testified in favor during the 2016 Legislative Session. The reauthorization of the Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program was passed on the last day of session, May 13th as part of Senate Bill 997.
The legislation (originally filed as SB 855), sponsored by Senator David Pearce, aims to reduce the burden of student debt for college students in Missouri. The Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program awards 25 grants annually, providing $289,400 in funding for the program per year until 2020, equaling $1,157,600 for spouses or children of Missouri veterans who died or became disabled during combat.
“We are very pleased that Governor Jay Nixon signed into law legislation which include this important program that provides grants to the children and spouses of military veterans, allowing them to attend a Missouri university and obtain a college education that may otherwise have been cost-prohibitive,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation. “We'd also like to thank Sen. David Pearce and Rep. Denny Hoskins for their leadership on this important issue. Women’s Foundation actively supported this bipartisan legislation because, based on our research, we know it’s one solution to make a difference for women and their families. "
"The Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program will go far in helping improve the lives of veterans and their families," said bill sponsor Sen. David Pearce (R-21). "I appreciate the Women's Foundation's research data and voice in helping get this important legislation passed."
Women’s Foundation has a strong commitment to continue working for policy solutions that will support and improve the lives of Missouri women and their families.
The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women and girls, using research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.
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