Today with unanimous bipartisan support, the Senate passed a Veterans omnibus bill that includes a handful of beneficial policies for veterans, including the streamlining of eligibility checks for services, additional support for County Veteran Service Officers, and education benefits for surviving spouses of service members.

Of note, included in the bill is bipartisan language that provides continued education benefits to surviving spouses of veterans, regardless if they remarry or not. Additional language also designates that a memorial plaque commemorating Gold Star and Blue Star families will be placed on Capitol grounds.

“Today’s bill puts partisanship aside in favor of supporting our veterans and their loved ones,” said Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake). “This bill continues funding for critical services that veterans rely on and also takes the step of ensuring that surviving spouses have access to education benefits. A lot of good work went into this bill, and I’m glad we could get it passed with unanimous support. For all they have given in service to our state and country, Minnesota veterans deserve our continued support.”