Saint Paul, Minnesota – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs Omnibus Bill, which increases funding for veterans programs and services. Reps. John Ward (DFL – Baxter) and Joe Radinovich (DFL – Crosby) voted in favor of the bill.
The bill increases funding for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs programs and services by 18 percent.
The bill modifies Minnesota’s GI Bill education program by expanding eligibility to all veterans. The legislation also would provide the educational benefit to the spouse or child of soldiers killed in the line of duty. Under this reform, eligibility would be based on the federal program requirements.
“Our veterans have served their country and their state with great honor, and they deserve our support,” said Rep. Ward. “This bill includes great provisions to support our veterans and their families.”
The legislation also allows public employees who also serve in the National Guard to choose when in the calendar year when to take their 15 days of paid military leave. In the past some municipalities have required employees to use all of their paid military leave before using unpaid leave – creating financial hardship later in the year. This legislation will allow employees to spread unpaid leave evenly throughout the year.
It creates a grant program to provide assistance to Minnesota veterans who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. This includes help with utilities, employment, and legal issues. The bill authorizes towns and cities to give contract preferences to veteran-own small businesses.
Finally, the bill provides funding for a permanent honor guard for veterans funerals.
“Supporting our veterans is not a partisan issue,” said Rep. Radinovich. “While we may disagree on many issues, we can all come together and do what’s right for our veterans. That’s what this bill does. We will continue to do all that we can to work together and support our veterans.”
Reps. Ward and Radinovich encourage constituents to contact them with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Rep. Radinovich can be reach by phone at 651-296-2365 or email at rep.joe.radinovich@house.mn.