Senate approves bipartisan legislation to support Minnesota veterans and military members

With strong bipartisan support, the Minnesota Senate today passed a Veterans and Military Affairs budget bill that recognizes the contributions of both current military members and veterans across the state of Minnesota. This legislation provides support during military service and care for veterans struggling with homelessness and PTSD. It also increases funding for veterans’ cemeteries so they can be laid to rest with the respect they deserve. 

“Supporting our Minnesota veterans and military members is not a partisan issue,” said Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo), the lead Republican of the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee. “The Senate’s bipartisan passage of the Veterans budget bill is a perfect example of working across the aisle on behalf of Minnesotans. Our service members put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms, and we owe it to them to support them when they come back home. They do it because they care about their country and making the world a better place, and it’s on all elected officials to honor their commitment and service.” 

This bill provides support throughout the continuum of a service member’s life – from the recruitment bonuses when they sign up; training and equipment while they serve; support as they transition to civilian life; and support for them as they enter their golden years.   

Highlights of this legislation are:   

  • Increase funding and eligibility for bonuses for members who served during the post-9/11 military era 
  • A one-time appropriation to honor service members on the fiftieth anniversary of the Vietnam War  
  • Funding for a Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley 
  • Continued funding for the three new veteran homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston, which were originally funded in 2018 
  • Provide enlistment and retention bonuses to incentivize retention and recruitment  
  • Fund grants for veteran participation in Camp Bliss – a program where eligible veterans would receive therapy, transportation, and activities specific to veterans and their family or caretakers