SEN. PETERSEN AND REP. ABELER TAKE A STAND FOR VETERANS
Anoka County legislators would allow veterans to receive a larger scope of academic credits for former military training
ST. PAUL—The Minnesota Senate Higher Education committee today heard a bill authored by Senator Branden Petersen, R-Andover, and State Representative Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, that would make it easier for veterans to receive academic credit for their military training and experience.
Current law requires Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), and encourages the University of Minnesota and private institutions, to recognize and award educational credits for courses that were part of a veteran’s military training or service. But as many veterans learn, actual credits awarded often fall short of their cumulative experience.
“Military service, and the training that comes with it, provide transferrable educational opportunities that should be accepted by our institutions of higher education,” Representative Abeler said. “We need to give credit where credit is due, and this bill provides the first step to giving veterans recognition for the content and value of their service.”
Representative Abeler was inspired to author the bill after talking with a veteran who, after multiple combat tours to Afghanistan and law enforcement courses, was awarded only one physical education credit upon entrance to a MnSCU institution.
In response, Abeler and Petersen authored Senate File 1467/House File 1597 in order to expand consideration to the academic skills developed in all aspects of military training or service, without being limited solely to physical fitness.
“Our veterans are forced with many challenges when they return home. One of the primary obstacles they face is gaining employment,” Senator Petersen explained. “This bill will allow them to take advantage of their hard work for our country, while saving money in educational expenses.”
The Minnesota Department of Military Affairs supports the bill, and former State Representative John Kriesel was present to testify in favor of the proposed legislation. Kriesel is a former staff sergeant in the Minnesota Army National Guard.
“This legislation will help Minnesota’s many veterans use their real-world military experience and training toward a college degree that will help them find quality, high paying jobs,” Kriesel said.
The bill was laid over for inclusion in a higher education omnibus bill to be drafted this spring.
State Senator Branden Petersen testifies on a bill that would make it easier for veterans to receive academic credit for their military training and experience. He is joined by former state representative and National Guard staff sergeant John Kriesel (left), Jerry Witzman, Director of Job Training, Anoka County (second from right), and Dave Lein, Senior, Department of Military Affairs (right).