Lang’s Veterans initiatives focus on assisting Minnesota Veterans—included in State Government budget bill

On Monday with bipartisan support, the Senate passed the State Government and Elections omnibus budget bill, focusing on good governance, eliminating waste, and promoting fair and free elections. Included in the bill is language authored by Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) that focuses on advancing support for Minnesota Veterans. Specifically included are initiatives that focus on assisting Minnesota veterans through the funding and establishment of key services and programs.   

“The Veterans omnibus portion of the State Government budget includes a number of provisions suggested by agencies and veterans’ organizations,” said Sen. Lang. “Our Veterans have given so much to our country and state, we have come together to pass a bill that focuses on addressing their needs. I’m happy to say all the bills included received unanimous bipartisan support from members of the Veterans Committee and passed without amendment. This is a testament to the hard work of the committee members and agencies. I am proud it was fully included in the State Government budget bill. The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee has a current budget target of a $8 Million increase, and I believe it was definitely well-utilized and distributed this year.” 

The bill focuses on a number of initiatives, including the following: 

  • Making dental services available in veterans’ homes
  • Authorization of veterans’ adult day care programs
  • Establishment of a stable housing initiative for veterans 
  • Recognition for Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day
  • Funding for a Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs publicity representative

The most notable inclusion is the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which provides that when a veteran has committed certain offenses and the offense can be tied to the trauma, PTSD, or health issues associated with their service, a judge may use diversionary sentencing. Many veterans return from service with substance abuse and other health-related challenges that often result in criminal offenses. When these are treatable conditions and the offenses are narrow enough, this language seeks to provide the help needed to treat service-induced health issues.