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Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative Bob Dettmer

279 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124

For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520

Posted: 2011-02-04 00:00:00
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NEWS COLUMN

PROGRESS FOR HONORING VETERANS

As a military veteran, and as the father of two incredible men serving this country, I deeply understand the need to support our veterans and active service members. While we must address the budget and set clear priorities, we must never forget that without the service of our military, nothing else is possible.

I was honored this week to welcome several members of our community to testify in the Veterans Service Division Committee. This week I introduced House File 105 which calls to match the grant funding to the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp on Big Marine Lake. The camp, founded in 1926 after World War I, helps with the recuperation, reintegration and relaxation for military service members and their families. Set on a beautiful lake, the camp brings together families in a safe, peaceful place. The funds will go toward providing the camp with necessary safety upgrades like a new storm shelter and upgrading the cabins to be handicap accessible. With roughly 18,000 career military veterans in Minnesota, these upgrades will help generations of military families enjoy the healing powers of the Rest Camp.

Veterans, active military service members and their families have had to endure incredible sacrifices in the name of defending this great nation’s freedom and democracy. Minnesota must honor our veterans, service members and their families to the fullest extent of our ability. House File 82 allows an income tax subtraction for military retirement pay, including survivors’ benefit plan payments. Minnesota is currently one of six states that still taxes military pensions. Neighboring states like Wisconsin attract veterans who find work there, buy homes there, have children there and eventually spend their retirement money there. This bill is a smart choice for both veterans and Minnesota’s economy.

In addition to honoring our veterans with an income tax subtraction, I am also proud to sponsor House File 240 that would extend the disabled veterans homestead market value exemption eligibility from one year to 10 years for surviving spouses, and qualified veteran’s approved primary family caregivers. This bill will help keep disabled veterans in their homes instead of an institution. This not only is a comfort for veterans and their families, but it saves Minnesota taxpayers money. Furthermore, this bill expands the definition of caregiver beyond a spouse, applying the term to parents and other family members who often are the primary caregiver for disabled veterans when they come home.

All three pieces of legislation have passed out of Veterans Service Division Committee and will move forward, one step closer to becoming law. I will continue to stand by our military and do everything in my ability make sure that all veterans, from our community and from Minnesota, know how deeply appreciative we are of their sacrifices.

Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.

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