United WE praises effort to support the families of military servicemembers and public safety officers
KANSAS CITY – United WE today praised Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s signing of HB 2021 into law. The bill waives tuition and fees for spouses and dependents of public safety officers and personnel who are injured or disabled while performing service-related duties.
“This legislation is vital to the many Kansans who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Providing this resource and removing obstacles to higher education for the families who have sacrificed so much is a small token of gratitude, and to offer opportunities that otherwise may be unavailable,” said Rep. Troy Waymaster, bill sponsor. “I commend my fellow legislators for their hard work and support for this bill. I’m proud to have championed such an important piece of legislation and to see it through the process of becoming law.”
“The educational opportunity offered in this legislation recognizes the sacrifice of service members and helps to address the question as to how their family will be taken care of when these service members put their lives on the line,” said Rep. Susan Estes, bill sponsor. “This legislation also hits close to home, as I personally know families who have endured these situations where their loved ones have been killed or seriously injured while on duty. HB 2021 is just a small way we can give back to those families and spouses who have given so much."
United WE worked with lawmakers on HB 2021 and similar bills in Kansas and Missouri. Programs like those supported by HB 2021 help improve the financial well-being of military and first responder families and strengthen our economy.
“More access to higher educational opportunities means a stronger economy,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “We are grateful for Kansas’ leadership in supporting education and the families of public safety officers. Thank you to Governor Kelly, Rep. Waymaster, Rep. Estes and our Kansas Legislature.”
The bill amends a statue that established tuition wavier grants for dependents and spouses of public safety officers and those who died in or because of military service on or after September 11, 2001, to extend benefits to additional persons. The bill adds a definition of “public safety employee” to include employees of law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services or state correctional institutions.
The bill also authorizes the issuance of bonds to construct a state veterans’ home in northeast Kansas.
Relatedly, United WE commissions research on the status of women in Kansas with the University of Kansas's Center for Science Technology & Economic Policy. The first study was released in 2016, providing a baseline for continued research that will inform reasonable policy solutions for women and their families. This summer, United WE will unveil the latest Status of Women in Kansas research.