The House Veterans Affairs Division heard its first set of bills. The Governor released his budget which included new policies of interest to Veterans. Finally, the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee heard presentations from various Veterans groups.

On Monday, the House Veterans Affairs Division heard the following legislation-

HF 321: This bill is authored by Rep. Ben Lien. It would exempt fees for 100% total and permanent disabled Veterans on certain vehicle types. It was approved and re-referred to the Transportation Finance Committee.

HF 127: This bill is authored by Rep. Bob Dettmer and would provide money to Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) to share the costs in producing a documentary about Vietnam Era Veterans. The legislation was approved and re-referred to State Government Finance.

HF 119: This is also authored by Rep. Dettmer. The bill would make the Homestead Exclusion permanent for surviving spouses of Veterans. It would also make the exclusion available for the surviving spouse for up to two years after the death of a Veteran spouse. It was approved and re-referred to the Taxes committee.

HF 232: Another bill authored by Rep. Dettmer, this legislation would provide money for facility improvement at the Veterans Rest Camp and Camp Legionville. The committee approved the bill and it was re-referred to the Legacy Funding Committee.

HF 261: Rep. Tim O'Driscoll is the author of this bill that would provide appropriation for de-escalation training for safety personnel. It was approved and re-referred to the Public Safety and Security Committee.

Following those five bills, the Veterans Affairs Division heard presentations from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War.

• A $500,000 general fund appropriation for operations of a new Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth.
• $2 million for repair and betterment funding of MDVA owned facilities across the state. 
• Governor Dayton recommends an expansion of uses for those that receive MN GI Bill benefits. The expansion would allow Veterans to get reimbursed for licensing, certifications and testing instead of just tuition. Included is a recommendation to increase MN GI Bill funding by $200,000 each fiscal year.
• The Governor recommends free hunting and fishing licenses for 50% (or greater) service connected disabled Veterans. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources would receive an additional $350,000 each fiscal year to offset the cost associated with the new threshold.
• Expanded tax credit for past military service: This would increase the phaseout floor for this income tax credit from $30,000 to $50,000 and raise the maximum credit amount from $750 to $1,000. This would expand the scope of the current Past Military Service Tax Credit.

On Thursday, the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee had a hearing which featured presentations from three Veterans groups and a budget overview from Senate Fiscal Analyst Kevin Lundeen. The three presenting groups were Minnesota Wing Civil Air Patrol, Eagle's Healing Nest and Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans.