On Tuesday, May 9, the Minnesota Senate approved the Omnibus Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy bill. This legislation received strong bipartisan support in the Senate and recognizes the contributions of current military members and veterans across the state of Minnesota.
“This year’s veterans’ budget will go a long way in helping our veterans and military members,” said Senator Gary Dahms (R − Redwood Falls). “This legislation is a reminder that supporting our service members is never a partisan issue.”
The Veterans and Military Affairs budget provides support during military service and care for veterans struggling with homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also increases funding for veterans’ cemeteries so veterans can be laid to rest with the respect they deserve.
This bill offers support throughout service members’ lives and includes recruitment bonuses when they sign up, training and equipment while they serve, assistance as they transition to civilian life, and care as they enter their golden years.
Highlights of this legislation include provisions that:
- Increase funding and eligibility for bonuses for members who served during the post-9/11 military era.
- Honor the service of Minnesota’s military members through a Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum dedicated to their service.
- Fund operations for the three new veteran homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston.
- Provide enlistment and retention bonuses which serve as incentives for retaining and recruiting service members.
- Fund grants for veteran participation in Camp Bliss: a program where eligible veterans would receive therapy, transportation, and activities specific to veterans and their families or caretakers.
- Provide funds for county veterans services offices.
- Allocates $4.5 million to complete construction and equip the new veterans cemetery in Redwood Falls.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our state and nation. We owe it to them and their families to support them when they return home. With this legislation’s passage, we honor the sacrifices and commitments of Minnesota’s service members,” concluded Senator Dahms.
The bill now awaits Governor Tim Walz’s signature.