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New Law Will Help Families of Soldiers Killed in Action Continue Their Education

Sen. Don Barrington Sen. Don Barrington

Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation Wednesday that will help the children and spouses of military personnel killed in action further their education. Senate Bill 721, by Sen. Don Barrington, will allow Oklahomans to donate part or all of their income tax refund to the Folds of Honor Scholarship Program.

“With Memorial Day approaching, I can’t think of a more appropriate time for this bill to be signed. On that day, we’ll remember all of the brave men and women who have laid down their lives fighting on behalf of their country,” said Barrington, R-Lawton. “Donating to this program is a small way for us to express our gratitude and respect to those families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price for our country and those in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Under the law, which will go into effect January 1, 2010, a check off box will 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 make a donation to the 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.

“The Folds of Honor program has already helped so many military families be able to continue their education and better their lives, and I’m glad that Oklahomans will now be able to help in that honorable effort.”

Contact info
Sen. Barrington's Office - 405-521-5574