ST. PAUL – With bipartisan support, the Minnesota Senate passed a bill that reaffirms Minnesota’s commitment to providing for its Veterans. The highlight of the bill is the creation of the Referral Bonus Program.

Language in the bill establishes the “Referral Bonus Program,” which will provide bonuses for referrals that lead to enlistment in the Minnesota National Guard. This would serve as an additional tool for recruitment and retention. To note, the bill does not require the program’s implementation, it simply authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to implement the program as a way to assist in recruitment efforts. A handful of other states have launched similar state-funded programs.

Additional language in the bill also allows the commissioner to plan for a new veterans cemetery in Bemidji. State cemeteries currently exist in Little Falls, Duluth, Preston, and Redwood Falls, with additional national cemeteries in Fort Snelling and Fargo. This bill allows the process to move forward and addresses the current cemetery gap in Northwest Minnesota.

“Veterans have given so much to defend our state and country, and this bill is one way we can support them in their post-service lives,” said Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia), who sits on the Senate Veterans Committee. “I’m glad we are creating the Referral Bonus Program, which could be an excellent incentive tool for both recruitment and retention in the National Guard. And I’m also glad to see our state moving forward with a cemetery in Bemidji. There is a clear gap when it comes to cemetery grounds in Northern Minnesota, and this location would fill that gap. It would also fit the National Cemetery Administration’s goal of providing every veteran with a burial option within 75 miles of their homes. Today’s bill reaffirms our commitment to supporting veterans throughout our state.”

Other sections of the bill include the following: