Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is backing a legislative bill that aims to grant free college tuition to first responders and their children. The bill, identified as SB 71, was recently reviewed by the House Emerging Issues Committee. Sponsored by Senator David Gregory from St. Louis County, the bill seeks to establish the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act.

According to the bill, a "first responder" includes any individual trained to provide emergency medical assistance or treatment, such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Eligibility for the tuition waiver requires first responders to pursue either an associate degree or bachelor's degree at a state college in a field related to their career. Both responders and their children could receive tuition waivers for up to five years.

"Once the first responder has reached six years of service, they qualify for this," stated Senator Gregory. "After their 10th year of service, their dependents would qualify. The legislature would decide each year how much funding this program will get."

Joe Patterson, executive director of the St. Louis County Police Association, expressed the pressing need for such incentives. "Whether you’re in a small town or big city, recruitment and retention of public safety officials is at a crisis level," he said. "There are 200 less St. Louis County police officers on the streets than when I left the force in 2019. It’s a tough job, but we need people to answer the 911 calls."

Patterson emphasized the importance of retaining current personnel. "Retention is the key right now," he added. "We’ve got to keep folks on the job, and one of those ways is to give them an opportunity to further their education, as well as their family. I need to have people staying on another four or five years right now, and this bill would allow for that."

Cade Tremain, the Missouri Chamber Manager of Government Affairs, also voiced support for SB 71, highlighting its alignment with the Missouri Chamber’s Safer Missouri, Stronger Missouri report. "First responders dedicate their live to protecting us and our families, and this is a wonderful opportunity to invest in them and their families," said Tremain.

For further details, contact Cade Tremain at ctemain@mochamber.com or (573) 634-3511.