Omnibus Bill Becomes Tradition

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is pleased to announce that for a second year in a row, the Minnesota Legislature passed a Veterans and Military Affairs omnibus bill, and Governor Tim Walz signed it into law on May 15, 2023.

This accomplishment can be attributed to the efforts of many Veteran Service Organizations, individual Veterans, and supporters who have advocated for this important legislation. As the Governor’s press release details below, this funding will support our ongoing efforts for key priorities such as ending Veteran homelessness and investing in the State Veterans Homes, among many others.

The press release, that is also posted on the Governor’s website, reads, in part:

“Governor Tim Walz today signed into law a comprehensive veterans and military affairs bill that will move the state closer to its goal of becoming the fourth state to end veteran homelessness, expand service bonuses for veterans, fund veterans homes, and invest in the readiness of the Minnesota National Guard.

“For the dedication and sacrifice our military members and veterans give to our state and country, they deserve our highest support,” said Governor Walz. “By expanding service bonuses, investing in veterans homes and the health of our service members, and moving Minnesota closer to ending veterans homelessness, this bill will improve the lives of veterans and service members across the state. With nearly unanimous support from the legislature, this bill shows that Minnesotans deeply care about their veterans, and we will continue to show up for them at the Capitol.”

Highlights of Chapter 38, House File 1937 include:

Service and Retention Bonuses
The bill includes an additional $15 million for service bonuses for post-9/11 era veterans and Gold Star Families and $3 million for reenlistment bonuses for members of the Minnesota National Guard. The bill also expands eligibility for the 9/11 bonuses to include veterans who currently live in Minnesota but were not Minnesota residents when they entered service.

Veteran Homelessness
The bill includes millions in new funding to effectively end and prevent veteran homelessness, including funds to construct dozens of permanent supportive housing rental units and facilitate the Homeless Veteran Registry, a tool that identifies veterans experiencing homelessness and connects them to services. This funding will help Minnesota achieve its goal of being the fourth state in the country to declare an end to veteran homelessness statewide.

Veterans Homes
The bill includes $47 million to start up and operate three new veterans homes to support aging veterans in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston, Minnesota. The new veterans homes are scheduled to open later this year.

“The bill passed the Minnesota House and Senate with nearly unanimous support.”

Thanks to everyone who supported the successful passage of this important legislation.

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.

And a reminder: we are hiring for hundreds of roles at the three new Veterans Homes and the new Veterans Cemetery. Please consider joining our team or encouraging others to do so. Job openings are posted at mn.gov/careers.

Thank YOU for your service!