Dear Neighbors,
Today, we observe Veterans Day in recognition of all brave service members who have worn our country’s uniform. It’s not just enough to simply thank veterans with our words one day a year, though. Throughout the year, we have a responsibility to ensure they have opportunities to succeed and thrive in our communities. Veterans often face challenges when they return home in a variety of areas including employment, housing, and health care. As a state legislator, I’m committed to working in a bipartisan manner to remove these barriers toward success.
This past legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature delivered full funding for both the state Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Military Affairs to support those currently wearing the uniform as well as those who have served previously, along with funding for Veterans Service Organizations, Honor Guards, the Gold Star Program, and the Minnesota GI Bill. We also invested in the expansion of the C.O.R.E (Counseling and Case Management, Outreach, Referral and Education) program to address veteran homelessness. Our state budget funded other priorities like the Helmets to Hardhats program, which helps veterans enter building and construction apprenticeship programs which lead to rewarding, good-paying careers, and Veterans’ Voices, a program through the Minnesota Humanities Center which helps amplify and preserve experiences, stories, and narratives.
All of our veterans deserve our continued support, respect, and gratitude. Please join me in thanking all who have served our country; it’s the least we can do for those who have made enormous sacrifices for freedoms we enjoy each and every day.
Please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family.
Thank you for the honor of representing you in St. Paul.
Sincerely,
Ginny Klevorn
State Representative