SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Tuesday during a remote hearing, the House Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Division received updates on COVID-19 from the Minnesota National Guard and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and approved three pieces of legislation.
“I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the soldiers of our National Guard for their efforts in the COVID-19 response and to the workers in our Veterans Homes who continue to deliver the care residents deserve,” said Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls), the division chair. “We’re all working hard to adapt and respond to the struggles presented by COVID-19 and we’re lucky to have qualified, dedicated Minnesotans serving in critical roles to help keep Minnesotans – including the heroes who have served our nation – safe and healthy.”
Major General Jon Jensen, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, updated the committee on their role in the state’s COVID-19 response, including missions to support the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Alternate Care Facility planning, logistical support at the state Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) warehouse, and other support for the State Emergency Operations Center, MDH, and Homeland Security and Emergency Management division of the Department of Public Safety. Deputy Commission Douglas Hughes of the MDVA and Legislative Director Ben Johnson gave the committee an update on their department’s efforts to protect residents in state Veterans Homes from COVID-19.
The committee also approved three bipartisan bills. HF 4222, authored by Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL – Edina) authorizes MDVA to provide dental care services directly to residents of state veterans homes. HF 4223, authored by Rep. Todd Lippert (DFL – Northfield) authorizes MDVA to operate adult day care programs for veterans. Finally, HF 4221, authored by Rep. Ecklund, makes technical changes to the Minnesota GI Bill.
Video of the hearing is available courtesy of House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.