With unanimous bipartisan support, the Minnesota Senate today passed legislation that makes critical investments into Veteran services across the state. This bill includes provisions that provide post-service resources, expand housing options, and fund enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses to meet the needs of Veterans across Minnesota.

This bill includes funding for completion of three new veterans homes across the state by providing structural improvements, medical equipment, and fixtures needed to make the homes operational. 

To maintain a strong National Guard, the bill also provides necessary funding for an enlistment and re-enlistment bonus program which will serve as an incentive for retaining and recruiting servicemembers.

“It’s important that we honor those who serve our country and state,” said Senator Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville). “This bill makes taking care of our Veterans a priority.”

The legislation also honors Minnesota’s historical tradition of providing service bonuses to service members that served during global conflicts. With the end of the Global War on Terror last year, the bill allocates $24 million for post-war service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans that served after September 11, 2001. 

“This bill also provides service bonuses to men and women that served in major conflicts. It’s a modest sum, no amount of compensation can ever fully express our thanks and appreciation for all they and their families have done and sacrificed in service to our state and country,” said Duckworth.