(ST. PAUL) – The Minnesota Senate today approved the Veterans budget agreement that provides support throughout the continuum of a service member’s life. This legislation once again received strong bipartisan support by the Senate. 

“Supporting Minnesota veterans and military members is not a partisan issue,” Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo), the lead Republican of the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee said. “The Veterans budget agreement passed by the Senate recognizes the contributions of both current military members and veterans across the state of Minnesota. Through this legislation, we are keeping our promise to the veterans who have served our country. Though there is always more we can do for our service members, this is a good bill.” 

This legislation includes provisions that provide support during 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. 

Highlights of this legislation include provisions that:  

• Increase funding and eligibility for bonuses for members who served during the post-9/11 military era 
• Honor the service of Minnesota’s military members through a Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum dedicated to their service 
• Fund operations for the three new veteran homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston 
• Provide enlistment and retention bonuses, which serve as incentives for retaining and recruiting servicemembers 
• 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