KANSAS CITY – Missouri Governor Mike Parson today signed Senate Bill 306, proposed by the Women’s Foundation to permanently extend the Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grant Program, previously scheduled to sunset on August 28, 2020. The Women’s Foundation has been a longtime proponent of the program and initiated the conversation about reauthorizing it permanently.
“Women have always played a vital role in our armed forces – whether serving in harm’s way overseas or supporting our troops here at home,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “By permanently extending this valuable program, Senate Bill 306 honors their sacrifices and reflects Missouri’s ongoing commitment to supporting our military families and strengthening our economy. Providing higher educational opportunities to the families of those killed or injured in the line of duty will strengthen our economy and improve the financial well-being of military families across the state. We thank Governor Parson for his commitment to Missouri’s military families and signing this much-needed legislation.”
The Wartime Veteran's Survivor Grant Program awards up to 25 college scholarships annually to spouses or children of Missouri veterans who died or became disabled during combat.
In February, the Women’s Foundation testified in support of this legislation (originally filed by state Sen. Denny Hoskins and Rep. Steve Lynch) as part of its work to promote equity and opportunity for women of all ages.