From the desk of Senator David Pearce

Honoring Those Who Serve

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, I can’t help but remember the intensity of that infamous day. As a collective nation, we held our breath, waiting for any scrap of information we could glean from any source at all. We watched any TV screen we could find, praying for the survivors, the families of the lost, and for the heroes of the day, the emergency crews and military personnel on hand. If not for the brave men and women pledged to the defense of our country who charged into that maelstrom of destruction, the number of lives lost could have been significantly higher. For this reason, and for many others, please join me in thanking the people that give of themselves unselfishly to defend our country, at home and abroad. We must always recognize the people who respond first to the scene, those that put their lives on the line to protect us and our freedoms.

Veterans’ legislation is important, not just to me, but to our entire state and country. Every day, we walk through a nation that was made great by the efforts put forth by an often unsung military. I feel that it is our duty, as individuals and as lawmakers, to provide what we can for our soldiers and airmen and their families, so that their efforts can be spent in defense of our way of life, and not in constant worry about the care and comfort of their loved ones. Missouri now joins 38 other states that offer this security to its military families.

As a lawmaker, I often see issues arise or have matters brought to my attention that need addressing. The purpose of drafting new legislation is to provide fresh solutions to issues as they come up. I am very pleased to see that this year on Aug. 28, the date that many measures signed by the governor took effect, a matter close to my heart has been addressed.

Looking at support for military families, House Bill 136 contains a number of provisions. One of the most important provisions in the bill makes the spouse of an active military member eligible for unemployment benefits if he or she has to relocate due to military transfer. While this may seem a small issue, consider this: if a person has to vacate his or her job in order to move with a military spouse, he or she is not leaving voluntarily. That move is a sacrifice made in the best interest of the nation. So it makes sense that we should, as a part of that nation’s government, give a small token of our appreciation back to our military families for the unselfish dedication they put forth.

In addition to unemployment benefits, another provision of HB 136 states that should a military family move into the state, the spouse may receive a temporary, or “courtesy,” license in Missouri as long as certain criteria are met, such as holding the same or similar certification in another state, have been in that profession for at least two of five of the preceding years, have not committed any act that would cause any certification to be revoked, and get any required background checks or pay any required fees. By doing this, and by offering the unemployment option, the state can further provide for its military families during their time of service to our country.

Along with HB 136, a number of other bills were signed by the governor that took effect on Aug. 28. Expiration and termination dates were removed from the original provisions allowing corporations and individuals to donate a portion or all of a tax return to the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund through HB 149. HB 204 states that Missouri residents who are members of the military serving on active duty will no longer have to take complete exams to renew driver’s licenses if renewed within 60 days of completing their service. Various bridges and highways around the state were renamed to create memorials to veterans in HB 798. In addition to these measures, HCR 11 was introduced to urge Congress to designate the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City as the National World War I Memorial.

One bill that took effect immediately when signed by the governor, because it contained an emergency clause, was SB 36. This measure allows employees of businesses with 50 or more other employees to take a leave of absence to perform emergency service duty with the civil air patrol or to execute narcotics missions. While performing these services, the employee will not lose any time accrued or any benefits.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.