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State Representative Paul Thissen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5375
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
Column/LTE
VETERANS DESERVE MINNESOTA'S CONTINUED SUPPORT
To the Editor:
Veterans' Day is a time for reflection. As Americans, we are deeply grateful to the many people who have committed to serve our country today and in the past. As Minnesotans, it makes us think of the many Minnesotans in the National Guard, Reserves, and Active Duty Military who are overseas right now - and it reminds us of the sacrifice made by the families of those men and women.
As we all know, the make up of our military is changing. Our nation is relying more and more on the state National Guard & Reserves. As a consequence, military personnel and their families are facing new challenges and disruptions and, as a community, Minnesotans must rethink how we support those families. The people of our state have been generous in their contributions of money and other support, but there is more we can do. One way to help is to visit First Lady Mary Pawlenty's Military Family Care Initiative site at http://www.governor.state.mn.us/FirstLady/flmain1.asp.
In conjunction with private contributions and the work of non-profits and churches, the state government also has a role in seeing military personnel and their families through difficult times of separation and anxiety. During the 2005 Legislative Session, the Minnesota legislature took steps to alleviate the additional costs to families that arise when a family member is called up for many months of duty.
Military pay earned while on active duty either in combat or during a state or national emergency is now exempt from state taxes. Minnesotans called up for active-duty are also exempt from paying the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax on their personal vehicles during and 90 days after a deployment. National Guard and Reserve members enrolled in MinnesotaCare, the state-assisted health insurance program for low and moderate income Minnesotans, will be allowed to discontinue enrollment while deployed on active duty and reenroll upon returning without having to wait the standard four-month period.
Tuition at public colleges and universities in Minnesota is 100% covered for members of the National Guard and Reserves. Disabled veterans needing treatment are entitled to the same academic and tuition protections given to military members called up on active duty.
State grants will assist in the rehabilitation of veterans' health facilities. The State Soldiers Assistance Program provides emergency grants up to $1,500 for veterans in need of medical, housing or other assistance - including the too many homeless veterans living among us.
Please take time this Veterans' Day to remember and thank those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Sincerely,
Rep. Ann Lenczewski
District 40B
Rep. Paul Thissen
District 63A
Rep. Dan Larson
District 63B
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