This week, by a vote of 64-0, the Senate passed a Veterans and Military Affairs supplemental policy and finance bill after negotiations between Senate Republicans and House DFLers produced an agreement.
Thanks to the advocacy by House DFL Members, the bill extends bonus payments to post-9/11 veterans. Minnesota currently provides this to Veterans of wars prior to this period and this bill would extend eligibility to all serving Minnesota veterans.
Additionally, the legislation delivers critical investments to a wide range of veterans and National Guard initiatives. Under the bill, the three new veteran homes in Preston, Bemidji, and Montevideo are set to receive a significant boost in funding that will allow for the homes to be opened on schedule.
Finally, this bill increases grant amounts to veteran service organizations, provides funding to Veteran stable housing initiatives, and provides the National Guard with new investment to support force retention efforts through additional funding toward enlistment and reenlistment bonus program.
The legislation must now be passed by the House and receive approval from Governor Walz. Senate DFLers will continue to fight to ensure those who sacrifice and serve our country are well taken care of and are supported as they reintegrate back into civilian life. (SF 4233)
