By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Legislators in Jefferson City are proposing a plan similar to one in Illinois that would help active duty military personnel make ends meet.
Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder joined Friday with Pat Quinn, his counterpart from Illinois, in pushing for the plan.
It would let Missouri taxpayers donate money to a special fund by checking a box on their tax returns.
At the Jefferson Barracks Armory Friday, Kinder said people in the military often earn much less when they're away from their civilian jobs.
"The fund will offer assistance to qualifying families who experience unique financial needs due to a family member being deployed somewhere in the global war on terrorism," Kinder said.
Kinder said if the legislature passes the plan, it could go into effect as soon as August.
Illinois' plan has raised nearly three million dollars since it started last year.