Disabled veteran transit assurance

Removing one word should ensure that all disabled veterans can use public transportation at no cost.

A bill to clarify that all disabled veterans are qualified was approved by the House Agriculture, Rural Economies and Veterans Affairs Committee March 1.

Rep. Jerry Newton (DFL-Coon Rapids), who sponsors HF2672 said, “(It) simply clarifies for the veterans that they don’t have to be 100 percent disabled in order to ride.” Some veterans were confused because a law passed last session says, “permanent service-connected disability.” The bill removes the word “permanent.”

There was no opposition to the bill, which now goes to the House floor.

A companion, SF2429, sponsored by Sen. Sharon Erickson Ropes (DFL-Winona), awaits action by the Senate Transportation Committee.