On Thursday, April 20, with strong bipartisan support, the Minnesota Senate passed a Veterans and Military Affairs budget bill that recognizes the contributions of both current military members and veterans across the state of Minnesota, said Senator Gene Dornink (R-Brownsdale). 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.
“The Veterans budget passed by the Senate emphasizes that supporting our veterans is not a partisan issue,” Senator Dornink said. “Minnesota military members and veterans put their lives on the line to preserve our freedoms. We owe it to them to recognize their sacrifice 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