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State Representative Jeanne Poppe
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4193
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATION BEING OFFERED FOR VETERANS Next Tuesday is Veteran's Day on the Hill
One of the committees I'm pleased to serve on this session is Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Finance. This week, our committee heard testimony from Clark Dyrud, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, about the challenges that face veterans, those who are returning from active duty and those who are either retiring or approaching retirement.
Although as a nation we can never truly repay our military and veterans for the sacrifices they have made for our country, there are many ways we can show our appreciation. This legislative session, the DFL House majority, Governor Pawlenty, and House Republicans have teamed up on bi-partisan legislation to thank veterans and their families.
The "Military and Veterans Support Package" is legislation that includes over 20 initiatives to aid active military, veterans and their families. If passed, the $75 million package would affect thousands of Minnesotans who are members of the Minnesota National Guard, Reservists, retirees, and those serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
The two highlights of the proposal are a 100% exemption from state income taxation for military pay and pensions, and the Minnesota GI Bill (loosely modeled after a similar successful program in Wisconsin), to provide education benefits for eligible military veterans and families.
Should this initiative pass, Minnesota will join many other states in providing a tax exclusion for military pay and pensions by fully exempting this income from state taxation. This is not only a way to show our appreciation to veterans, but its enactment would also keep and attract veterans to the Minnesota workplace. The exemption would be phased in over a four-year period, saving veterans and military $16.5 million in fiscal years 2008-09, and over $40 million after its full implementation and phase-in.
The Minnesota GI Bill would supplement the federal GI Bill by providing eligible veterans, and spouses and dependents of disabled veterans or veterans who have died as a result of military service, up to $10,000 over five years for higher education in a Minnesota educational institution. In a two-year period, veterans are expected to reap $30 million in education benefits from the Minnesota GI Bill.
This proposal also includes other initiatives, such as increased funds for the Minnesota Veterans Homes; enhanced outreach to veterans; increased County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) grants; improved information technology at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs; an enhanced State Soldier Assistance Program; and preferred state contracting for veteran-owned businesses.
Veterans' issues will be in the spotlight next Tuesday, January 30, which has been designated as Veterans Day on the Hill. At 12:30 p.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda, Minnesota veterans will be rallying to support the Military and Veterans Support Package. The Governor and legislative leaders from both the Senate and House will be there to address veterans and their families.
There is a strong desire on the part of legislators and citizens alike to do something to recognize and assist the men and women from our communities who so faithfully serve our country. I look forward to supporting the Military and Veterans Support package as a way to thank our military, veterans, and their families for their sacrifices for and service to our country.
As always, I welcome your suggestions and questions. Please feel free to contact me at any time - I can be reached by phone at 1-888-682-3180 or 1-651-296-4193, by mail at 487 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn. If you are interested in receiving my session e-newsletter, please email me and your name will be added to our list. If you would like to stay more closely in touch with what is happening at the legislature, visit my website at http://www.house.mn/27B or the House of Representatives website at www.house.mn.
News Items
- POPPE SELECTED AS AGRICULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIR - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Rep. Jeanne Poppe Encourages High School Juniors to Apply for Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program - Application Deadline is November 19th - (Posted: 2012-11-12 00:00:00)
- HORMEL INSTITUTE EXPANSION SIGNED INTO LAW - 2012 legislative session adjourns sine die - (Posted: 2012-05-11 00:00:00)
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