ST. PAUL – Legislation authorizing the use of federal funds for operational costs at veterans homes planned in Bemidji and two other Minnesota cities received legislative approval Monday.
With omnibus finance bills unresolved for the state’s next budget cycle, the House and Senate took up a handful of other packages before adjourning. This includes H.F. 1952, which features numerous state government finance and veterans affairs provisions. The bill features language allowing the state appropriation of federal funds to construct, equip, and furnish veterans homes in Bemidji, Preston and Montevideo.
Rep. Matt Bliss, R-Pennington, was a driving force behind passage of a 2018 bill to construct these facilities for veterans. He said Monday’s action at the Capitol is another positive step toward completion of this project.
“It’s another hurdle we had to clear to make this funding available for our veterans home and I’m pleased we took care of business,” Bliss said. “Our veterans deserve this new home and it is going to be such an important local asset. We need to stay on task in the Legislature to help keep things on track and passage of this bill on Monday was an important piece in that regard.”
The House approved the bill 131-1 and the Senate followed with a 67-0 vote in favor, sending it to Gov. Tim Walz for enactment.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently approved more than $80 million to cover its side of the funding for the three veterans homes. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs has indicated construction could begin as early as this fall. The facility proposed in Bemidji features a North Woods cabin design, with 72 residential units and public spaces.
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