Senator Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton) joined with DFL Senators in successfully pushing a measure through the Senate to deliver pay for Minnesota’s veterans, or their beneficiaries, who served in the United States armed forces during the post-9/11 service period.
While the Senate Republican version of the legislation did not include the bonuses, DFL legislators successfully pushed to include this support in the final bill. The bill has since been signed into law by Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will soon announce the application process.
“These bonuses for our veteran demonstrate our deep gratitude for their service and I encourage all eligible veterans to apply to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for this well-deserved bonus.” said Sen. Kunesh. “Minnesota owes our veterans our thanks, and I hope this additional support to to them and their families recognizes them for their service to our nation. I invite veterans to contact my office for any assistance in applying for their bonus check.”
The bonus pay breakdown is as follows:
- $600: for a veteran who served during the eligibility period but did not receive Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Afghanistan Campaign Medal during the eligibility period; or - $1200: if the veteran received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Afghanistan Campaign Medal during the eligibility period for the bonus; or
- $2,000: if the veteran was eligible for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Afghanistan Campaign Medal during the eligibility period for the bonus and died during that period as a direct result of a service-connected injury, disease, or condition.
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