Happy Holidays to you and yours! I hope this season brings time for you to gather with loved ones, enjoy some rest and relaxation, and look forward to the coming year.

I recently had the opportunity to reflect on the past year during an interview on Minnesota Military Radio where I was joined by Governor Tim Walz. Governor Walz, a Veteran himself, is a staunch supporter of our Veteran community and an advocate for ensuring that our Veterans receive the care and support they have earned.

The Governor and I shared some time together in service with the Minnesota Army National Guard. We were a good team then and make a good team now, with a commitment to serve Minnesota’s Veterans.

One of the biggest accomplishments of the last year – and of the last few decades! – was the successful passing of the Veterans and Military Affairs Omnibus Bill. This created a new precedent that I believe should be followed for years to come. This legislation consolidated a number of Veteran funding requests and included:

• Funded the Post-9/11 Service Bonus
• Expanded funding for three new State Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston and one new State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls; all will be opening in mid-2023
• Increased funding for the Congressionally Chartered Veterans Service Organizations
  • American Legion - Department of Minnesota
  • AMVETS - Department of Minnesota
  • Disabled American Veterans - Department of Minnesota
  • Military Order of the Purple Heart - Department of Minnesota
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America - Minnesota Chapter, and
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars - Department of Minnesota
• Increased funding to the County Veterans Service Officers working in 87 counties
• Expanded funding to help end Veteran homelessness
• Provided infrastructure funding for the Fisher House in Fargo (where many Minnesota Veterans living in northwestern MN receive care) and for the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake

When asked what I am most proud of, I highlight our continuing work to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota. In the last year, two more Continuums of Care declared an effective end to Veteran homelessness in their communities. Now eight of 10 Continuums of Care have reached this goal; only Hennepin and Ramsey counties remain.

New funding in the Omnibus Bill supported even more homelessness programs including:

• Efforts by MACV to secure new properties and provide support services
• Providing more alternatives such as temporary shelter in hotels
• Increase incentives for property owners and landlords who agree to rent to high-barrier Veterans

A memorable moment of 2022 was the returned to an in-person event for Veterans Day this year. It was great to see people in person with more than 400 people in attendance. It is also impressive to gather together so many leaders including Governor Walz, The Adjutant General of the National Guard Major General Shawn Manke, and members of the Congressional Delegation who this year included U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and U.S. Representatives Dean Phillips, Ilhan Omar and Betty McCollum. We all enjoyed a delicious breakfast and the comradery of being in person together.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we are busy preparing for the 2023 Legislative session. We will continue to work to end homelessness among Veterans and prevent Veteran suicide. Opening three new Veterans Homes and one new State Veterans Cemetery will be a major effort. And we are also exploring how to increase support for Veteran caregivers, among other initiatives. We welcome your involvement and support!

If you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.

Thank YOU for your service!