Bill Passes Supporting Scholarship Program for Children of Military Killed in Action

Oklahomans could help the children of military personnel killed in action further their education by donating a portion of their income tax refund to them under legislation approved Tuesday by the Senate Finance Committee. Sen. Don Barrington is author of Senate Bill 721 which would give those donations to the nonprofit charitable organization, Folds of Honor Incorporated.

“This is a great program that helps ease the financial burden of families that have suffered an incredible loss and allows these children to continue to pursue their dreams of a higher education,” said Barrington, R-Lawton. “It is such a small gift to these families for the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones for each and every one of us as well as the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Under the bill, a check off box would be added to each state individual income and state corporate tax return form for tax year beginning after December 31, 2009 to allow citizens to donate a portion or all of their income tax refund to the Folds of Honor Scholarship Program. The program provides academic and vocational training scholarships to dependents of military servicemen and women who were either killed or wounded in action due to military service in the war in Iraq or Afghanistan.

SB 721 goes before the full Senate next for consideration.