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 across the state have given so much in defense of our state and country, and this bill continues the tradition of giving back to them and prioritizing their needs,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater). “I’m especially glad to see the state moving forward with a potential veterans cemetery in Bemidji. Regardless of where our veterans reside throughout the state, they deserve options and support during all phases of their post-service lives, and this bill delivers that.”

Other sections of the bill include the following:

• Lifting that cap on funding that counties can appropriate for Memorial Day and Veterans Day exercises
• Authorizing Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to operate a central pharmacy to better serve the needs of veterans home residents