On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate passed a two-year state government budget that funds the state’s veterans and military affairs services and honors Minnesota’s ongoing commitment to the state’s veterans.
“The Minnesota Senate
reaffirmed its commitment to Minnesota’s veterans yesterday through this budget
bill by providing services and honoring the legacy of our state’s vets,” said Senator
Jeff Howe (R-Rockville). “I
am happy that we could accomplish this for our servicemen and servicewomen who
have made great sacrifices to our state and nation during the course of their
service. The support
provided in this bill will hopefully go a long way to help veterans transition
back towards civilian life while also ensuring that their legacies are
remembered.”
In addition to funding the Minnesota
Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Military Affairs, the budget
also includes an investment in the C.O.R.E
program, which supports military members,
veterans, and their families by providing counseling, case management,
outreach, referral, and education services. The budget also includes funding
for the Department of Military Affairs “Support Our Troops” program, Sustain
Reintegration Programs, and new enlistment incentives.
In addition, the bill establishes ‘POW and MIA Recognition Day’ and ‘American Allies Day’, acknowledging the sacrifice made by many Minnesota veterans and those who fought alongside them. The bill also establishes a ‘Veterans Suicide Awareness Day’ to help bring light to a crisis that many veterans face.
Finally, housing Minnesota’s veterans remains a priority of the Senate. Last
session, Senate Republicans authorized $32 million for the construction of
three new veterans homes – one in Preston, one in Montevideo, and one in
Bemidji. The homes will support about 200 beds for Minnesota veterans. This session,
Senate Republicans continue to advocate for those homes, working with federal
officials to help secure final approval.
The veterans budget funds the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs as well as the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs. In total, veterans receive $208.896 million out of the state’s general fund over the next two years.