Dear Neighbors,
Earlier today, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved the Veterans and Military Affairs bill on a 122-1 vote. I was proud to vote in support of this bill that provides the support that our brave servicemen and women earned in defense of our nation.
I usually don’t vote for omnibus bills and was pleased to offer my support for this narrowly focused Veterans and Military Affairs bill, especially after House and Senate leadership removed this legislation from an omnibus supplemental finance bill that had egregiously combined spending and policy from a variety of subject areas.
The bill includes funding to cover construction cost increases and enhancements/furnishings for the three new Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston. House Republicans were instrumental in getting these veterans homes approved back in 2018.
We were also able to secure assistance for veterans struggling with homelessness, funding for the State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls, and other veterans-related programs. Additionally, veterans and gold star families who served post 9/11 will receive post-service bonus payments.
Minnesota has a proud tradition of coming together to support those who have fought and sacrificed for our country and I'm proud that we could get this done working together.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas on ways to improve state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4237 or via email at rep.paul.novotny@house.mn.
Have a good day,
Paul
My father, Air Force Sergeant Harold Novotny, served 25 years as Sherburne County's Veterans Services Officer