On Tuesday, members of the Minnesota Legislative Advisory Commission (LAC) sent a letter to Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans approving the agency’s plans to spend pending federal grant funds for the construction of three veterans homes in Minnesota. Per state law, the LAC is authorized to review and grant requests by state agencies for the use of federal funds. The letter provides a “positive recommendation” for the three veterans homes and was signed by Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R- Nisswa), Senator Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center), and Senator Bruce Anderson (R- Buffalo).

“The Legislature has provided the state’s funding for three new veterans homes,” said Senator Bruce Anderson, Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. “Although we are awaiting federal funding to complete this project, I am proud of the work accomplished to meet our end of the deal. Our veterans and communities will see great benefits from this expansion.”

“There isn’t a veterans home within 100 miles of any of these cities – it is a disservice to the hundreds of homeless and at-risk veterans out there who need help,” said Senate Finance Chair Julie Rosen. “We already approved Minnesota’s share of the costs for these three veterans homes; once the feds approve their share, we have a duty to get shovels in the ground as fast as possible.”

“It’s critical that we continue to invest in housing for Minnesota’s veterans. By doing so, we honor their contributions to our state in a meaningful and impactful way,” said Majority Leader Paul Gazelka.

“Last year, the Minnesota Legislature provided the state’s share of funding for these three veterans homes. Securing federal funding is the last piece needed to get these veterans homes built,” said Senator Andrew Lang (R- Olivia) Vice Chair of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. “The communities of Montevideo, Bemidji, and Preston have been working for over a decade to get these veterans homes across the finish line. We have an obligation to these communities – and more importantly, to our veterans – to get this done.”

In 2018, the legislature passed $32 million in state funding for the construction of new veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston. Combined with local matching funds, the state’s contribution represents approximately 35% of the total construction costs. In March, after extensive community input and fundraising, the state submitted its grant application to secure the remaining federal funds. The pre-design stage is currently underway for each planned home, with the homes expected to be fully operational and occupied by the end of 2021 in Bemidji and Montevideo, and 2022 in Preston. The list of homes receiving federal funds will be released in January.