Press Release

For Immediate Release
June 27, 2005
Contact: Bill Fix
(573)751-6819

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder Signs Missouri Military Family Relief Fund Bill

Relief Fund Creates Check-Off Box on State Tax Forms

ST. LOUIS, MO — Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder signed House Bill 437 into law on Tuesday morning, creating the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund. This legislation establishes a state administered fund which will assist families of Missouri Resident Guard and Reservists who have been deployed for the Global War on Terrorism. State Representative Jack Jackson (Wildwood-R) sponsored HB 437; Senators Jon Dolan (Lake St. Louis-R) and Harry Kennedy (St. Louis-D) championed similar legislation in the Senate. Lt. Gov. Kinder signed the bill, on behalf of Governor Matt Blunt, at the Soldier’s Memorial in downtown St. Louis and at the State Capitol in Jefferson City.

“By creating The Missouri Military Family Relief Fund, we affirm our commitment to our citizen soldiers and our National Guard and Reserve families that we will honor your service and sacrifice to our country,” said Kinder. “This Fund will provide real help to the children and spouses of our Guard and Reserve members who are serving their country far from home.” Kinder added, “I am leading the effort to raise the money needed to start the fund and to also educate Missourians about this much needed program.”

The Missouri Military Relief Fund was a legislative priority of both Blunt and Kinder and is patterned after a similar program in Illinois. Since its passage in February 2003, the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund has already distributed more than $2.9 million in grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to more than 6,000 Illinois military families. The program will receive funding through private donations to the fund and by creating a check-off box on the Missouri State Income Tax form. Taxpayers can choose to donate by checking the box and filling in the amount.

Lt. Gov. Kinder works closely with Missouri Veterans Commission on issues relating to veterans as well as issues facing active military personnel. The Missouri Lieutenant Governor’s office serves as a clearinghouse and advocate for veterans and their families.

Eleven states have already enacted the innovative Military Family Relief Fund Arkansas, California, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont and Wyoming).  At least 23 states are now considering legislation creating their own Military Family Relief Funds, a voluntary and convenient way for citizens to express their appreciation to military families who face financial hardships when the breadwinner is called to active duty.