The Senate Finance Committee today heard important legislation authored by Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) that funds the completion and upgrades necessary for the 3 new Veterans’ Homes across the state, plus an enlistment and re-enlistment bonus program that retains and rewards active servicemembers. This bill focuses on meeting the needs of Veterans across the state.

Last year, homes in Bemidji, Preston, and Montevideo secured federal funding necessary to complete construction. Funding in this bill serves as the final capstone to make these homes operational by funding upgrades and improvements to strengthen the structures, and medical equipment and internal fixtures needed to make the homes operational. 

“This bill highlights the brave individuals that have given so much to our country and state, and the funding in this legislation addresses their needs,” said Sen. Lang, Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. “We did the important work of securing federal funds to get 3 new Veterans homes completed, and now it’s time to step up and make sure those homes are built to last and are filled with equipment necessary to best serve the Veterans that will be housed there. In their post-service years, Veterans deserve the best care possible.”

To compete with the modern workforce, the final portion of the bill provides necessary funding for an enlistment and re-enlistment bonus program. This section is meant to provide an incentive for retaining and recruiting servicemembers.

“We’ve seen an ever-increasing number of servicemembers leaving their branches prematurely, mainly due to competitive jobs offering new opportunities. We want them to feel valued where they are, which is why funding an enlistment and re-enlistment bonus program is so important,” continued Lang. “Today’s passage of this bill through Finance shows that we’re serious about prioritizing our Veterans and getting these funds to the finish line.”

The Finance Committee combined this bill with the State Government and Elections bill. The package is expected to receive a vote on the Senate Floor in the coming weeks.