Says Sen. Nicole Mitchell’s Bill Will Provide Housing, Services, Improved Care for Veterans,
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) said the Senate has passed a Veterans and Military Affairs budget that makes the largest investment to those departments in state history. The measure passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 66 to 1.
Majority Leader Dziedzic said the $382 million budget authored by Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) contains $128 million in new funding, a 51 percent increase over the base budget level. The bill funds a wide variety of existing and new services for veterans and active-duty service members.
“Minnesotans veterans have earned and deserve the best care and services our state can provide,” said Majority Leader Dziedzic. “This legislation make the largest investment in state history in services, facilities, and programs that help veterans, paying special attention to those who need help with mental health services, suicide prevention, addiction recovery and overcoming homelessness. We listened to veterans and veterans’ groups and prioritized the services to help them live with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
“I am so proud to author this veterans and military affairs budget,” said Senator Mitchell. “This legislation reflects what we heard from department employees, veterans, and their families in a number of ways. First, we passed a standalone, bipartisan budget that will not be tied up as part of a partisan debate. Second, we have increased funding to the highest levels in state history to make sure our departments can provide services, maintain facilities, and retain and hire the very best employees. Third, we’ve prioritized mental health supports, suicide prevention, addiction recovery, and ending veterans homelessness. Finally, we will provide oversight to make sure our seniors living in veterans homes receive the absolute best quality of care.”
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