Dear Neighbor,
Veterans Day is this Saturday as we honor those who have served in the United States military. It is important to recognize the sacrifice these men and women have made for our country and I hope you will join me in thanking our veterans for all they do and have done to protect us and defend our freedoms.
The Legislature has worked hard to support those who have served and a number of new laws we brought to passage this year will help our veterans. Just a few of the changes include:
- $1.449 million operational funding increase for Veterans Affairs Department programs and services to veterans.
- Minnesota GI Bill expanded to include apprenticeship and on-the-job training benefits; and increases educational as well as apprenticeship and on-the-job training benefit amounts.
- Increases Support Our Troops individual grant eligibility amounts from $2,000 to $4,000.
- $500,000 to the Eagle's Healing Nest veterans facility in Sauk Centre.
- $500,000 to the Humanities Center for Veterans Defense Project grants.
- Expansion of impersonation of military officer (“stolen valor”) to include any military member for the purpose of financial gain.
- $700,000 for Veterans Journey Home grants.
- County boards authorized to appropriate money for veterans memorial anywhere in county.
I encourage you to find ways to give back to our veterans through community efforts. There are many ways to volunteer whether through outreach programs or through the Veterans Affairs office. The Department of Veterans Affairs website is just one place to learn more information about volunteering.
Hope you have a good weekend and best of luck if you head out deer hunting. As always, be safe on the roads with earlier sunsets, deer on the move and implements in use as we wrap up the harvest season.
Sincerely,
Paul