Senate Approves Bill Allowing Income Tax Refunds to be Donated to Folds of Honor Scholarship Program

The Senate unanimously approved legislation Monday that could help the spouses and children of military personnel killed or injured in combat pursue a higher education. Senate Bill 721, by Sen. Don Barrington, would allow Oklahomans to donate part or all of their income tax refund to the Folds of Honor Scholarship Program.

“These families have already had so much taken away from them. They shouldn’t have to give up their dream of getting a college degree too,” said Barrington, R-Lawton. “This is a tremendous scholarship program that has helped many families better their lives by helping them get degrees, and through this legislation many more could get assistance.”

Under SB 721, a check off box would be added to each state individual income and state corporate tax return form for tax years beginning after December 31, 2009 to allow Oklahomans to donate a portion or all of their income tax refund to these scholarships. The Folds of Honor Scholarship Program provides academic and vocational training scholarships to the spouses and children of military personnel who are either killed or wounded in action due to military service in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The program was started to make sure that the families of these soldiers are taken care of just as those soldiers laid their lives down to help others,” said Barrington. “Helping their families is a great way for us to show our gratitude and respect for the ultimate sacrifice these soldiers made for each and every one of us.”

SB 721 will next be heard in the House.