ST. PAUL – With the goal of prioritizing veterans in both northern and western Minnesota, State Representative Dave Hancock (R-Bemidji) is sponsoring the Minnesota Veterans and Quality of Life Act.
Hancock's proposal would allocate bonding proceeds to both Montevideo and Bemidji to help meet the necessary state funding match in order for the veterans' homes to begin construction.
"With two competing veterans homes proposals, the odds are increased that neither is approved because lawmakers find difficulty in prioritizing one area of the state over the other," Hancock said. "Under this plan, legislators wouldn't have to pick and choose whether they think a facility would be more valuable in Bemidji or Montevideo because both communities, and their veterans, would benefit."
The Minnesota Veterans and Quality of Life Act would appropriate roughly $16 million in bonding proceeds to construct a facility in both Bemidji and Montevideo. A state match is necessary when a veterans home is constructed, as federal contributions will only cover two-thirds of the costs.
"Talks have been going on for years to bring veterans homes to these two cities," Hancock said. "It's time lawmakers stop talking and get the ball rolling. By approving this legislation, lawmakers can show their appreciation for our former military members by bringing the services they need to areas of the state that are lacking a veterans home."