ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota House of Representatives today passed SF 1959, the bipartisan Veterans and Military Affairs Omnibus Bill, delivering meaningful support for Minnesota’s veterans and prioritizing suicide prevention as its central focus.
The legislation addresses the ongoing crisis that takes the lives of nearly 100 Minnesota veterans every year, strengthening mental health resources and access to life-saving services.
“This bill is a serious step forward in our mission to prevent veteran suicide,” said Rep. Matt Bliss (R-Pennington), Republican Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Division. “We’re investing in the right areas, expanding access to mental health support, peer counseling, and services that save lives. We owe our veterans nothing less.”
Republican Vice Chair, Rep. Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont), added, “Suicide continues to claim far too many of our heroes long after the battlefield. We cannot allow these tragedies to continue unchecked. This bill strengthens the front lines of prevention and brings hope to veterans who feel they’ve been left behind.”
In addition to strengthening mental health support, the bill prioritizes care for aging veterans by funding staff for newly certified long-term care homes. Although authorized in 2017 and opened last year, these facilities faced staffing delays due to certification requirements, which have since been resolved. This bill ensures they can staff up and deliver the quality care our veterans deserve.
The bill also ensures that veterans receive a pension contribution for state active duty, just as they would for federal active duty, because duty is duty, regardless of where you are serving. Further, it takes steps to acknowledge the contributions of Special Guerrilla Units (SGUs) who supported U.S. operations in Vietnam, without changing the definition of what it means to be a veteran.
“In a year marked by tight budget constraints, we made it a priority to stretch every dollar for our veterans,” said Chair Bliss. “This bill reflects that commitment, supporting our heroes whether they’re actively serving, transitioning to civilian life, or enjoying their well-earned retirement.”
The bill passed with a final vote of 126-6.