Honoring and supporting our veterans remains a top priority for the DFL. This year, the Senate passed a standalone bipartisan Veterans and Military Affairs Omnibus Bill that invests in the health and well-being of Minnesota’s Veteran community by funding critical programs that combats and prevents veteran suicide and homelessness, food insecurity, reintegration, education, and career benefits.
Veterans Homes
The 2025 Veterans Affairs budget committed nearly $90 million over two years, as well as ongoing base funding, to support Minnesota’s Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Hastings, Luverne, Minneapolis, Montevideo, Preston, and Silver Bay. This investment funds daily operations, adds health navigators in hospitals to connect veterans to care, and expands suicide prevention programs aimed at improving veteran well-being.
Veterans of the Secret War in Laos: Honoring the Special Guerilla Units
The Veterans Affairs committee formally recognized veterans who served in Special Guerilla Units and irregular forces in Laos during the Vietnam War. New legislation grants these veterans access to Minnesota benefits—such as burial honors, employment preference, and driver’s license designations—once their status is verified. A task force was also created to establish criteria for eligibility and recommend long-term recognition. (SF 568)
Enlistment Incentives
To bolster recruitment and retention in the Minnesota National Guard, the Veterans and Military Affairs budget increased the enlistment incentives allocation by $8 million, totaling $32.2 million from the general fund over the FY 2026–2027 biennium. This investment aims to support service members who commit to serving their state and nation.
Metro Meals on Wheels and Greater MN Food Insecurity Investments
The 2025 Veterans and Military Affairs budget approved $300,000 for Lutheran Social Services to expand home-delivered meals to veterans in Greater Minnesota. This funding ensures rural veterans—especially those with limited access to nutrition programs—receive regular, healthy meals and personal connection. It complements support already provided to veterans in the Metro area through Meals on Wheels.
Increasing Investment in CVSOs Technical Coordinators
The Veterans Affairs omnibus bill invests $120,000 in continued funding for County Veterans Service Offices technical assistance coordinators statewide. These coordinators specialize in helping veterans who are women, at risk of suicide, or involved in the justice system—ensuring counties have expert guidance to better connect veterans with the benefits and services they’ve earned.
Gold Star and Blue Star Families Memorial Plaque at Capitol Complex
The Veterans Affairs omnibus bill approved the placement of a memorial plaque at the State Capitol to honor Gold Star and Blue Star families. This tribute recognizes the sacrifice of families who have lost a loved one in service or have a family member currently serving in the military.
Did Not Pass:
Protecting Veterans’ Benefits from Claim Sharks
The Veterans’ Subcommittee heard SF 1894, a bill to require veterans benefits claims support providers to have federal accreditation from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. SF 1894 was supported by the CVSOs, and many other advocacy groups for Veterans such as Disabled Veterans of America and the American Legion.
Unfortunately, this provision received staunch opposition by private claims providers and strong opposition by Republican veteran members that made it difficult for this provision to receive the support necessary in the tied House and the narrow margin in the Senate.