SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 1937, the Veterans & Military Affairs Budget Bill, passed on a vote of 131-0. The bill, authored by Representative Jerry Newton (DFL – Coon Rapids), funds operations of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Military Affairs, while including initiatives to support Minnesota veterans.
“Our veterans have served with honor, and this budget acknowledges their sacrifice and service,” said Rep. Newton. “We also recognize their families who often bear in silence the weight of deployment or absence. We can never fully thank our veterans, but this budget takes steps to tell them and their families we appreciate all they’ve done.”
Last year, lawmakers recognized those who served in the military following the 9/11 attacks with Veteran’s Service Bonuses. The House Veterans budget expands eligibility for the bonuses to include veterans who reside in our state now but were not Minnesota residents at the time they entered service. The bill also removes the state burial fee at state-operated veterans cemeteries for spouses and qualifying family members. There is currently no fee for veterans.
“The House Veterans & Military Affairs bill invests in important physical and psychological care for veterans as well as job training and expanded service bonuses,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We are grateful to the veterans who have served to protect our nation. We are committed to helping them at each step while they transition from active service.”
The Veterans and Military Affairs budget includes investments to help Minnesota reach “functional zero” for veteran’s homelessness. The bill tackles the stubborn problem of veteran’s homelessness by providing funding for the homeless veterans’ registry and other tools to help veterans assistance.
“The Minnesota House is committed to supporting the selfless individuals who have served in the armed forces and put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms,” said House Majority Leader Jamie Long. “This veteran’s budget honors our veterans and provides better care and compassion, helping families and organizations that support these courageous Americans.”
The budget provides funding for the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum to supplement previously appropriated bonding money received to fully fund the project. The bill also includes funding for Honor Guards, the Minnesota GI Bill, the Gold Star Program, County Veterans Service Office, and programs to support veterans.
Video of all hearings and floor votes are available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.
###